Free extension for sports fans
Advertisement
Advertisement

Inside Norwich City’s slump under Philippe Clement: How Belgian’s 24/7 intensity is leaving players running on empty and staff mentally drained – with ‘absentee landlord’ Mark Attanasio adding to toxicity

Norwich are back in the doldrums. Their 1-0 defeat by Portsmouth last weekend was their eighth in 11 league matches this season.

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 11:00 AM
Inside Norwich City’s slump under Philippe Clement: How Belgian’s 24/7 intensity is leaving players running on empty and staff mentally drained – with ‘absentee landlord’ Mark Attanasio adding to toxicity
Key Things to Know
  • Philippe Clement's relentless intensity is reportedly exhausting Norwich City players and staff amid a five-game losing run.
  • Norwich sit one point above the Championship relegation zone following a 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth.
  • Supporters directed frustration toward sporting director Ben Knapper and absentee owner Mark Attanasio following recent struggles.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Norwich City are enduring a steep slump under manager Philippe Clement, sitting just one point above the Championship relegation zone after losing five straight games and eight of their opening 11 league matches. While Clement previously led a turnaround after arriving last season, his relentless 24/7 work ethic and demanding schedule have reportedly left players physically drained and backroom staff mentally fatigued. James Sharpe reports that the pressure has intensified following a 1-0 home defeat against Portsmouth.

The strain inside the club is compounded by significant player injuries, including absences for captain Kenny McLean and top scorer Mo Toure. Criticism is increasingly aimed at sporting director Ben Knapper over squad recruitment and manager turnover, as well as American owner Mark Attanasio, whose absence from key club events has fueled supporter frustration regarding Norwich's overarching direction and culture.

Advertisement

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.