Rob Edwards outlines Norwich City challenge and message he will tell Middlesbrough stars

 

Rob Edwards outlines Norwich City challenge and message he will tell Middlesbrough stars

 

Rob Edwards is not getting carried away by Middlesbrough’s positive start to the season – and has promised to hammer home the same message to his players ahead of today’s Championship clash against Norwich City.

 

Boro have made the perfect start to the new campaign with two wins from their opening two league fixtures, giving supporters reason to feel optimistic about what lies ahead. Edwards, however, insists that his side cannot afford to lose focus, particularly as they prepare to face a Norwich team who are always strong at Carrow Road.

 

Speaking in the build-up, Edwards admitted he was pleased with the performances so far but stressed the importance of consistency in what he expects to be a fiercely competitive division.

 

> “It’s been a really encouraging start,” he said. “The lads have shown a lot of energy, discipline and belief in the way we want to play. But the message to them is the same: don’t get ahead of yourselves. It’s only two games, and in this league every side can cause you problems. Norwich away is as tough as it gets and we’ll need to be right at our best.”

 

The Canaries, under the guidance of their experienced manager, are looking to mount a promotion push of their own after narrowly missing out last season. Edwards knows the qualities they possess and highlighted the attacking threat they can pose in front of their home crowd.

 

> “Norwich have a squad full of quality,” Edwards added. “They’ve got players who can hurt you if you switch off for even a second. Carrow Road is never an easy place to go, the fans really get behind their team and we have to embrace that atmosphere and use it as motivation. We know it will be a real test of character.”

 

Edwards has worked hard over the summer to instil a clear identity into his side, focusing on intensity off the ball and quick transitions when they win possession. The early results suggest the squad are buying into his philosophy, but the Boro boss believes games like today’s will show just how far they have come.

 

> “We’ve set certain standards in the first couple of weeks and now the challenge is to maintain them against the top sides in the division,” he explained. “The players know what’s expected. It’s about staying disciplined, sticking to our principles, and making sure we give ourselves the best chance of coming away with a result.”

 

While supporters may already be daring to dream of another promotion push, Edwards has been quick to play down any talk of long-term ambitions. For now, his focus remains firmly on the next 90 minutes in Norfolk.

 

> “The fans have been brilliant, and I love that they’re excited,” he said. “But we’ve got to keep things in perspective. This is a long season, full of ups and downs. Our only concern at the moment is Norwich, and making sure we put in a performance that reflects the hard work we’ve been doing.”

 

For Edwards, it is about keeping feet firmly on the ground. Middlesbrough may have started strongly, but today’s trip to Carrow Road represents their biggest challenge yet – and the manager is determined his players meet it head-on.

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