How Philippe Clement feels about Ipswich Town ahead of Norwich City clash | OneFootball

Norwich City boss Philippe Clement has praised Ipswich ahead of their crucial East Anglian derby at Carrow Road this weekend.

Norwich City have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since Philippe Clement was appointed, even if they’re likely to fall short in their bid to finish in the top six.

The former Rangers chief inherited a Canaries side that were 23rd in the Championship following a difficult start to the season under Liam Manning, having picked up just nine points in 15 games, so relegation was a real possibility.

Yet, under Clement, they have been superb, with only league leaders Coventry Citycollecting more points than the Norfolk outfit since the Belgian has been in the dugout at Carrow Road.

Therefore, all connected to the club will be excited about Saturday’s East Anglian derby against Ipswich, and Norwich know that a win could seriously derail their rivals’ chances of automatic promotion.

Philippe Clement makes Ipswich Town claim ahead of East Anglian derby

Of course, Clement is very experienced when it comes to derby games in the UK, as he has been in charge of Rangers against Celtic in what many consider to be one of the biggest rivalries on the planet.

Nevertheless, Norwich vs Ipswich is a huge game for both clubs, and whilst Clement told the EADT that he is preparing for a ‘special’ fixture, he was also keen to point out the ‘respect’ he has for the Tractor Boys.

“I have a lot of respect for Ipswich, what they are doing this season, how they're performing, how they're playing. They spend a lot of money in summer to get this promotion. They're in the play-off spots, so it's going to be a tough battle, but I'm looking forward to that.

“We want to give the fans something back also. They have been supporting the team all these months. The atmosphere in the stadium and in the away games turned completely from the beginning of the season and I feel my players want to give something extra to the fans. So to play a derby at home is always something special.”

Philippe Clement can become even more popular with derby win over Ipswich

Norwich had gone 16 years without defeat to Ipswich before losing the first meeting between the sides at Portman Road this season.

Despite that, they still have a proud record over their rivals at Carrow Road, with Norwich not losing a home derby game since 2006, something which they will be desperate to extend.

Given their form, the Canaries will go into this clash in high spirits, and the atmosphere is sure to be rocking considering how pleased the fans are with Clement and the team.

A return of 49 points from 26 games is incredible when you consider the situation Clement walked into, and it’s not just the fact they are getting results, as the team are playing with a swagger and confidence as well.

But, Ipswich are a very good team as well, and they have enough quality to cause Norwich major problems, so Clement is right to show them respect, and he will no doubt have a game plan in place to deal with their specific threats.

Even though Norwich are highly unlikely to make the play-offs, a win over Ipswich would increase the feel-good factor going into the summer, and the supporters would love to play a part in stopping Kieran McKenna’s side reaching the Premier League.