Johannes Hoff Thorup gives first interview as new Norwich head coach

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Johannes Hoff Thorup gives his first interview as new Norwich City head coach, coming in to replace for David Wagner.


Wagner who was dismissed after his side’s 4-0 loss to Leeds United in the Championship playoff semi final after a 6th place finish.


Johannes Hoff Thorup, 35, who will take over the reins, has been managing FC Nordsjaelland since January 2023, taking charge of 67 games, winning 34, drawing 17, losing 16 and comes away with a 50.75 win percentage.







NORWICH STATEMENT:


Norwich City are delighted to announce the appointment of Johannes Hoff Thorup as the club’s new head coach.


The highly-rated coach has completed a move from Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjælland, after the two clubs agreed a compensation package.


Thorup has signed a three-year contract and will be joined by assistant head coach Glen Riddersholm, who was most recently head coach of Swedish top-flight side IFK Norrköping.


Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Thorup said: “I’m excited, I hope that the supporters are excited as well. I hope that we can create something together, it’s so important that they are proud of the team.


“I feel the connection with the people, the club and the city. Everyone I have met with so far is so humble, nice and easy-going.


“I have my ideas and I have my principles in the way that we are going to play, but I am also here to listen to some of the good stuff that has already been done. I have to make sure that I am very clear that this is something that we do together and everyone has to have that feeling.”


Thorup had been in charge of FC Nordsjælland since January 2023, where he continued the club’s tradition of progressing its youth players into the first-team set-up.


He also has experience in European competition, with FC Nordsjælland progressing to the group stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League during the 2023/24 campaign.


Thorup’s affiliation with FC Nordsjælland dates back to 2015, when he first held the role of youth coach, before stepping up to first-team assistant head coach in 2021.


Sporting director Ben Knapper said: “We’re delighted to welcome both Johannes and Glen to Norwich City.


“After a thorough and robust process, Johannes stood out amongst an incredible shortlist of candidates.


“Through all of our interactions, it was clear that Johannes aligns perfectly with our vision and values. He is a proven developer, with a clear and demonstrable playing style.


“We believe that Johannes will be the perfect fit for the next stage of our new and exciting journey.”


Welcome to Norwich City, Johannes and Glen!




FC NORDSJAELLAND STATEMENT:


He has made the trip all the way up through the academy to the Superliga team. First as U14 head coach, then U17 head coach, Superliga assistant and most recently as Superliga head coach.


Now the trip goes to England for Johannes Hoff Thorup.


A transfer to Norwich City Football Club means that the 35-year-old FCN head coach will now have the opportunity to try his hand abroad and in the coming season will be at the head of the club in the English Championship.


Alexander Riget, Technical Director at FC Nordsjælland:


– It has been fantastic to see Johannes’ development and dedication over the years at FC Nordsjælland. Talent development is an absolutely central part of our DNA, and this also applies on the coaching side, where a lot of effort is put into developing both our environment and the individual. Johannes is a good example of that, and we are proud that both players and coaches from FCN can develop to get some unique opportunities outside the country’s borders.


– Johannes has been given one of these unique opportunities, and we understand that he wants to pursue it. He has never hidden the fact that something very special would be needed if he were to consider leaving FCN, and since we are also well compensated, Johannes can now fulfill his dream of trying himself on one of the biggest stages. At the same time, it is a big pat on the back for both Johannes’ hard work, the skilled staff around the team, the environment in FCN and the entire organization’s dedication to talent development.


– There are so many in the organization who have a stake in the development we see in our coaches and players. With Johannes, it was clear that we had found a very special coaching talent, and now he can take the step to international level. Everyone who has contributed to Johannes’ development over the years can rightly be proud of that – and not least Johannes himself and the skilled staff who will continue the great work.


Phil Radley, Director of Football at FC Nordsjælland:


– Johannes has done a great job throughout all his years in FCN – most recently as Superliga head coach, where Johannes’ hard work and a strong, ambitious team around him have had an important part of the credit for his development being so impressive quickly. At the beginning of the season, it quickly became clear to us that this team was something special, and Johannes and his staff have managed to get a team of very focused players to deliver at a high level in both Europe and the Danish tournaments.


– We have had a couple of fantastic seasons that have provided some very special experiences together with our fans. We would like to build on that, and we have a really strong foundation. At the same time, we are also aware that a new foundation must now be built on, where there is room for new, talented players to step forward on stage and lift themselves and each other up. That work begins after a well-deserved holiday for the players, and we are confident that we will announce a strong solution on the coaching front when the start-up kicks off.


Johannes Hoff Thorup:


– I am very grateful to have been part of FC Nordsjælland. Here in the club, no one shines alone. We are together about things, and it is the community’s merit when there are players – or a coach – who get the opportunity to try themselves on an international shelf.


– It is of course a great opportunity, and that is why I am taking the plunge. I hope that’s how people will see my switch too, because FCN is really great in every way. When I started as a U14 coach, I thought I had a really good idea of ​​how to run a football team. Then I found that there was really a lot of work ahead of me and that I really needed to listen to those around me. It took some time for me to find peace in the things I might not have been aware of – and to use the many talented people around me.


– It is one of the things that I have appreciated the most and which has been the most fulfilling. To be surrounded by so many talented people – and to teach myself to use them as much as possible. It has also made me feel a really cool connection to everyone around me. When we’ve won, it’s not me or the players. Then it is all of us who have won the games together . And lost them together.


– I hope that people appreciate the development the club is in, where we try to be ambitious in our very own way. It’s great to feel that the fans find pride in many different things because FCN has so many different facets. I’ve had the feeling throughout that the fans really sense this project and what it’s about. That they are just as proud to see this FC Nordsjælland team with young players from the academies, who are doing everything they can to develop and to win. It has been extremely exciting to be a part of. Thank you so much for all the years, all the experiences, all the relationships – and for everything it has given me.



This is what fans said as Johannes Hoff Thorup gives his first interview as new Norwich head coach…


@NCFCJake:

DONT YOU KNOW PUMP IT UP

JOHANNES HOFF THORUP

😍😍😍


@PeekyNCFC: Provided that the communication around the club is clear and fans are able to see what the new projects aims are, I’d imagine most people are willing to give this the time required. Big window and pre season coming up #ncfc


@andy_traynier: It’s nice to be excited by an appointment again, Smith and Wagner were red flags from day one. This feels different #ncfc


@davidplatten3: Welcome Thorup to #ncfc. Massive summer ahead with in’s and out’s. Feeling positive about this upcoming season. Want to see dominance, tempo, goals and passion! Not too much to ask is it!


@garyrudland1: The start of a new era for the club 💥


@tmrugbycoach_: Excited to see how this turns out. Velkommen Johannes. 🟡🟢


@matty_leww: “DONTCHA KNOW PUMP IT UP!”


@Oliver_Cockram: Genuinely happier about this than the last two managers… Good work #NCFC


@Malbs11: Hope we all stick by him, could take a season or two before it takes off. Remember Farke


@h_dempo: Good, got it done nice and early. Bad, I’ve now entered my older than the manager era. This has not helped my current mood.


@FPLJessx: I do feel like it’s a coup getting him from a top Danish side. Welcome Johannes 💛💚


@BritishPanther1: This appointment gives me a big case of the excitements. Much better than the past 2 appointments, can’t wait for the Hoff and Knapper era. Can’t wait for next season.


@reubenc2005: Really strong, exciting appointment! HMS P*ss the League is getting ready 💛💚


@Anna_say25: Time for a new start and a new era. I for one am feeling cautiously optimistic 💛💚


@Crackersontoast: HMS thorups pissing the league 🔰


@FakeSteveWorley: So excited about this I might Thorup


@Camerondownes9: Unbeaten title incoming 💛💚


@thomas__ncfc: Trust the process lads


@HarryC196: Buzzing for this


@Charlieroyal__: my god im so excited 😍😍


@colin3883:

New season starts now, new start fresh faces.

Get some bodies through the door and be ready to go again 👊

Hopefully this is the start of reinvigorating the fanbase! #ncfc 🔰


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