Johannes Hoff Thorup’s desire for possession-based football is music to the ears of Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean.

The Dane is in the process of implementing his desired playing style throughout pre-season. His vision is centred around controlling games with the ball, and that process has been combined with building fitness reserves and assessing his squad.

City’s pre-season is expected after their return from Belgium, with McLean being one of the late arrivals after his involvement in Scotland’s underwhelming Euros campaign over the summer.

Despite only having a short period of time back on the training pitch, Scottish international McLean has been encouraged by Thorup’s methods and is fully aligned with his Canaries masterplan.  

“I’ve been in since Monday now, obviously a few of us came back a little bit later,” the experience Scot said.

“It’s been really good. There are really encouraging signs. It’s the way that me personally and most of the lads want to play the game so it’s been great for us.

“It’s now about taking on new ideas, but even at the young age of 32, I want to keep learning and progressing my game. I think I can do that under the manager.

“Already, I’m really enjoying the way that he wants to work. I can definitely see success coming here.”

City concluded their Belgian tour with a 1-1 draw with Standard Liege on Saturday in a game that saw the intensity sapped by intense heat.

It was the latest run out for City’s squad as Thorup continues to engrain his ideas into the group ahead of their Championship opener against Oxford United next month.

Johannes Hoff Thorup is continuing to coach his style of play to his new Norwich City squad.Johannes Hoff Thorup is continuing to coach his style of play to his new Norwich City squad. (Image: Adam Harvey/Newsquest)

That want for possession-based football is shared by the bulk of City’s squad, according to McLean, as the information building continues with their Carrow Road friendly opener against German side Magdeburg on Friday.

“As football player’s you want to be controlling the game with the ball and that’s what we’re going to do this season,” McLean vowed. “That’s our aim. It’s how the manager sees football. It’s music to a lot of our ears. I’m sure that’s what the fans want to see.

“We want to really put teams under pressure. In the next few weeks, we’ll take plenty on board to be ready for Oxford.”