Smith ready for ‘really big’ relegation clash against Leeds on Sunday

Dan Butterfield
Norwich boss Dean Smith

Norwich City boss Dean Smith has admitted his side’s trip to Leeds on Sunday is a massive clash for both teams in the fight for survival.

The Canaries have lost their last five in the Premier League, including a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday evening.

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Jesse Marsch, on the other hand, took charge of his first home game as Leeds boss on the same evening, but was convincingly beaten 3-0 by Aston Villa.

The defeat means Leeds have now lost their last six in the Premier League and the clash on Sunday afternoon between Marsch’s side and Norwich could play a huge part on who is relegated this season.

Speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, Smith admitted: “It is really big for both teams, because we are both on a losing run.

“We know we have to get points because we have been sat on 17 points for too long.”

Smith also spoke about what his side could take from their defeat to Chelsea and what challenge Elland Road will pose.

“More of the second half, less of the first. It will be quite a simple message.

“When there was a bit of freedom we took the game to Chelsea. We can go and play with a bit more freedom. That is what we did last night in the second half.

“That is the freedom we have to take into Sunday’s match.

“What is moving in the right direction is the quality of chances that we are creating. We should be taking more of those chances.

“It is a factor [Elland Road]. Their support is fantastic and we have to silence them.”

The Norwich boss also claimed his players need to take more responsibility defensively after a umber of individual mistakes have lead to goals in recent weeks.

“Some of the set piece goals that we have conceded have been individual mistakes.

“Players know they have to take responsibility as well, but we have to be better.”

Right-back Sam Byram missed the Chelsea defeat, but Smith is hopeful he will be back to face his former club.

“Sam (Byram) we are going to have a look at. He is a little bit fatigued. I am hopeful he will be okay.

“All the lads that played last night’s game came through it. We should have them available for Sunday.”

Norwich City Dean Smith