Norwich City head coach David Wagner has encouraged Arsenal loanee Marquinhos to use pressure as motivation for improvement and impact at the club.
Norwich City head coach David Wagner has expressed his confidence in Arsenal loanee Marquinhos and encouraged the young Brazilian to use the pressure he faces as motivation to push himself further.
Mixed start for Marquinhos at Carrow Road
Marquinhos joined Norwich City in January on a loan deal until the end of the 2022-23 season.
The 19-year-old experienced a mixed beginning at Carrow Road, dealing with injuries but also contributing with a goal and an assist in his debut match against Cardiff City.
Wagner’s faith in Marquinhos’ improvement
Despite the rocky start, Wagner is confident that Marquinhos is on an upward trajectory, praising the youngster’s energy and integration with the team.
The head coach sees the pressure as an opportunity for the Arsenal loanee to grow and develop in the Norwich shirt.
Marquinhos’ potential impact on Norwich City
Norwich City have faced some challenges in their attacking line with injuries to key players. Marquinhos is seen as a potential solution to these problems.
Wagner believes that instead of succumbing to the pressure, Marquinhos should seize the opportunity to make an impact at the club.
“He is a very happy boy, he always has a smile on his face,” Wagner said.
“He’s settled into the group here very well. You can feel it, you can see it. Especially in the last weeks, he’s shown a lot of energy as well. You can see that his curve is going upwards, for sure.
“He had a good performance against Sheffield United. Our right side with him and Max [Aarons] looked absolutely competitive.
“That performance has shown this, and hopefully he can continue on Friday and in the next games as well.
“You call it pressure, I call it a chance,” he continued. “There is a chance. At his age, coming over from Brazil on loan from Arsenal.
“He has a chance, because of the situations we have, to explore himself and try his best to play with freedom and fight as hard as he can when he has the Norwich shirt.
“I see it as a chance, I don’t see the pressure.”
Marquinhos this season
Maquinhos has now made eight appearances for the Canaries, scoring one and assisting another.
In total, he’s played 466 minutes, averaging just under 60 minutes per appearance, playing the full 90 in two of his last three games.