Inside Clement’s hands‑on role in City’s recruitment drive

Philippe Clement is taking a central role in Norwich City’s summer strategy, shaping the signings he believes can push the club into the promotion conversation.

Norwich are hoping to add quality to a group that enjoyed a significant uplift under Clement, who took them from 23rd in the Championship to a ninth‑place finish, including a run at two points per game since the start of 2026.

Koppen expects Clement to be heavily involved in any additions that arrive through the gates at Colney this summer, staying closely aligned with key City personnel.

“In the first summer at Rangers, we had 15 or 18 exits and around 13 incomings. It was a mad summer. He’s a guy who goes on holiday, but his phone is close to his ear," Koppen told the Pink Un.

“You can call him in the evening and say, ‘Can you watch this player?’ and he’ll give you an answer. I worked at PSV, and it’s a big club, but coaches there wanted everything prepared. Philippe is a coach who puts in the hard work.

“He says, ‘Just give me the name of the player, I’ll do my own work, I’ll find out and give you my opinion.’ He will watch two, three, or even four hours of a player and come back with a good opinion.

“He doesn’t need a compilation of the best moments. He goes into detail by himself and will say, ‘I don’t like this and I do like that.’ It’s a very good way to work, and I think Ben will appreciate that.”

Nils Koppen worked as technical director at Rangers during Philippe Clement's time as head coach at Ibrox. (Image: PA)

That marks a clear shift from the modern trend, where head coaches, rather than all‑encompassing managers, tend to take a hands‑off approach and leave recruitment to sporting and scouting departments.

Koppen believes it is a sign of Clement's growing investment in the clubs he represents and his drive to succeed.

“It’s commitment. You’re invested in something and don’t want to be a passenger. Instead, you want to make something out of it. He’s not somebody who lets things pass by," he said.

“He wants to be involved in every single bit, and if you want to get somewhere as a club, whether that's Norwich or another club, you have to do it together. He’s a good team worker, and I think that’s great.”