That is according to Canaries sporting director Ben Knapper, who has spent the week planning for the 2025-26 season with Manning following his debut at Carrow Road on Monday. Predecessor Johannes Hoff Thorup was fired in April, with some critics citing his dressing room management as a problem as form dipped at the close of last season. But Knapper is confident that no such issues would arise under his new leadership, which was a major factor in his decision to join from Championship rivals Bristol City.

“It was big for me and a key part of why we wanted to bring Liam here,” he told me. “In a football team, you can have the best ideas and tactical approaches, but if you don’t have the connection and capacity to truly impact people and bring them on that trip, it will be difficult. “Liam has demonstrated that. We talked to a lot of people in the industry who had played under him, worked with him, or know him very well. His capacity to connect was something that he consistently demonstrated. “He demonstrates humility and empathy, which I believe is critical when trying to develop a culture. We spoke about trying to galvanise a group to overperform; that’s one of the things that you’re going to need if you’re going to achieve that.

“So yeah that was huge, as it always is, the human side.” The 39-year-old also values effective man management and feels that a deeper understanding of players is critical to success. “Getting to know the person is everything,” according to him. “It’s about them: their upbringing and support system. Getting to know someone to the point where you comprehend them is critical. “I believe we occasionally dehumanise players, and possibly ourselves as staff. You just view them as a position, not the nerves, anxieties, or pressure. But they are human, and they will feel everything.

“So everything we can do as a staff to help them be the best version of themselves on matchday is critical. I believe it is my responsibility to understand who is nervous, who needs to relax, and what the lads require. “It is my responsibility to know them inside out. I wish to help others.”

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