David Wagner releases heartfelt statement following Norwich City sacking | OneFootball

Released via the League Managers' Association this morning, Wagner would say: "I would like to take this opportunity to wish Norwich City Football Club the very best for the future and to thank Delia, Michael and Mark for their support during a very challenging season and a half.

"It was an exciting opportunity to return to English football and coach a club with such great history and people. I have enjoyed my time in Norfolk, getting to know the community and everyone who supports the club.

"When Christoph and I arrived, we were confident that we could help the club to challenge for promotion and whilst we are disappointed by the nature of the result against Leeds, we are also very proud of the hard work that everyone at Norwich City has put into the season to reach the play-off semi-finals in such a competitive league. "Although I am disappointed to be leaving a club with so much potential, I respect that the club has decided to move in a different direction without Christoph and me.

"I would like to thank the players and staff who have performed so well in my time at Norwich City. The fans have also been an incredible support to the team and although we didn't manage to achieve promotion this season, I hope that the club will return to the Premier League very soon."

Wagner proud of his time in Norfolk

The 52-year-old is leaving Carrow Road with his head held high, and he has every right to do so.

The German took over the helm at the club in early January 2023, at a time when the Canaries sat in 11th place in the Championship, having only picked up a single point from a possible 12 dating back to mid-December.

And so to turn a mid-table side struggling to find their identity, into a play-off outfit in a year-and-a-half, speaks to the job Wagner and his coaching staff have done.

Norwich finished the 2023/24 season with 15th highest goals conceded per match ratio at 1.4, and the 14th lowest average match possession at 49.3% per FotMob.

Statistics like those would suggest that his side had no business being in the play-offs, but Wagner was able to build a high-scoring side, whilst in-turn getting the best out of striker Josh Sargent.

Sargent's 16 Championship goals this season meant the American striker enjoyed his best scoring season in club football to date, whilst winger Gabriel Sara's 13 goals and 12 assists has also seen him flourish under Wagner's management.

Wagner's next move

It remains unclear at this stage as to how long Wagner intends to stay out of the game, as he took 10 months off before getting back into management following his previous two departures from Schalke 04 and Young Boys respectively.

But after his play-off campaign in Norfolk and with a Championship promotion on his CV from his time with Huddersfield Town, the experienced manager shouldn't be short of options for another second tier opportunity.

One potential opening could lie in the North East, as Sunderland are yet to find their new manager following Mike Dodds' expiration of his caretaker role.

The Black Cats would present as a club with similar ambitions as the Canaries, in that it's a big, progressive Championship club with realistic expectations of promotion to the Premier League.

Another possible landing spot could be East Yorkshire, as like Sunderland, Hull City also are yet to find their new manager to guide them into promotion contention too.