Dean Smith wants Norwich City fans to have some hope, and a Premier League send-off worthy of their support, against Tottenham.
The Canaries conclude another top-flight season that ended in relegation against Champions League-chasing Spurs on Sunday.
Smith knows the size of the task at Carrow Road against Antonio Conte’s star-studded side, but halted a run of five straight defeats last time out at Wolves.
“It is really important we give them something at home. We want to give them a good send off for the summer and build on some hope that we are planning, we are now looking forward to what comes next,” he said. “We can start to build up that togetherness between the whole club again.
"We showed our appreciation to the away fans at the end of the Wolves game. They have travelled miles and miles this season and it was important myself and the players acknowledged that backing.
“Our performance level will have to match what we showed at Wolves. Tottenham will have something to play for, we know that. Our own performance levels have to be high. We are going to be playing a side who are very motivated, and who themselves can perform at a very high level. Concentration levels cannot drop.”
Teemu Pukki’s goalscoring instincts will be key to any chance of worrying Tottenham. The Finn has been crowned player-of-the-year, and will officially be presented with his trophy prior to kick-off.
“To score 11 goals for a team finishing where we are, he can be proud of himself,” said his head coach. “He is a major attacking weapon for us. Not just his goalscoring ability but his movement and the intelligence to his play. There is no one better in that transition phase.
"You saw the problems he caused for Conor Coady (at Wolves), who was taken off at half-time. But to make the most of that we need to be good on the creative side of the game, and have players who can see his movement. We did that well at Wolves. We found him with the ball.”
Tottenham’s visit will also mark the final sight of loan trio Billy Gilmour, Mathias Normann and Brandon Williams in Smith’s plans. The City boss has resisted calls to jettison his loan signings, since relegation was confirmed, with a view to planning for next season.
“I can’t afford to open the risk of getting beat six or seven if you throw a team together,” he said. “I have to pick a team that is capable of competing for the football club.”
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