The Canaries have enjoyed a significant uplift in performances and results since the Belgian succeeded Liam Manning last month, with their 2-1 victory against in-form Southampton the latest step of their recovery.
Jovon Makama is one of a clutch of City players who have enjoyed Clement’s way of working, including his tough love and high standards, which have helped to spark their improvement since his arrival.
“His first day in, we were doing a bleep test. I’m pretty sure a lot of people know,” Makama said post-match.
“He expects a lot from us, and we’ve just worked hard. Every single day we’re pushing ourselves to extents that maybe some players might not be used to. But it’s definitely shown in our performances.
“We went through a phase where I think the first half we’d be giving our all, and the second half we’d drop off. We were conceding a lot of goals from that, I think. Now you can see a change in the first half and the second half. It’s just good that it’s paying off and you can see it from us all.
“Since he’s been in, he’s been really good with me. He’s pushing me every single day. That’s something that I like. As you can see in the performances and how confident I look on the pitch, it’s definitely a boost when on the sideline, everyone’s trusting you to go up there.”
Clement has provoked a response both individually and collectively from City’s previously underperforming squad.
There is still plenty to refine and gears to find, but Makama explains what has changed since he arrived at Carrow Road tasked with guiding Norwich out of trouble.
Jovon Makama has felt Philippe Clement’s impact has lifted his game at Carrow Road. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
“I think the biggest one is that we’re in every day. There are no days off. There’s no time to come away from the grind, you could call it,” Makama said.
“Every day we’re working hard and watching back games and watching back clips individually and just putting pieces together as a team and I think you can see that out there.
“Our performances have been a lot better in my opinion and as a team we’re really coming together, working hard for each other and like I said, putting our bodies on the line and I think today was a huge example of that.”