Following a devastating 4-0 loss to Leeds in the play-off semifinal, the Canaries fired Wagner, announcing their intention to take a fresh approach under new sporting director Ben Knapper.
That ended his 16 months at the helm of Carrow Road for the German, who persisted in dividing opinion even in the face of positive outcomes.
Wagner has already thanked a few of his coworkers and wished the team well going forward in a message he made following his dismissal through the League Managers’ Association.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Norwich City Football Club the best of luck going forward and to express my gratitude to Delia Smith, Michael Wynn Jones, and Mark Attanasio, the joint majority shareholders, for their support during the course of a very difficult season and a half,” he stated.
“It was a thrilling chance to manage a team with such a wonderful history and fan base in England football again. I’ve had fun getting to know the people in the neighborhood and the club supporters throughout my stay in Norfolk.
“We were confident that we could help the club challenge for promotion when (assistant) Christoph (Buhler and I arrived. Although we are disappointed by the outcome against Leeds, we are also extremely 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.
“To be leaving a team with so much promise makes me sad, but I appreciate the club’s decision to go in a different direction.
“I want to express my gratitude to the players and staff who have contributed so much throughout my tenure at Norwich City. Although we were unable to secure promotion this season, the supporters have shown the squad amazing support, and I hope that the club will soon make a return to the Premier League.”
