The Canaries head coach oversaw the last four months of a Championship campaign last season, during which they failed to score in any of their final five Carrow Road matches and finished 13th.
That led to a lengthy dissection by Wagner and then sporting director Stuart Webber as they mapped a route forward that included shifting a transfer policy towards experience and physicality whilst juggling financial necessities.
Despite opting for the scenic route in a topsy-turvy Championship campaign, Wagner feels the decisions made have been vindicated as Norwich prepare for a two-legged play-off semi final against Leeds United.
After their final day defeat to Birmingham, Wagner revealed how that blueprint was formed and praised Webber for his support during the summer window.
“We had a difficult last season where we finished 13th. We evaluated the last season, Stuart [Webber] and I, and we had five big topics for us that we wanted to do in the summer.
“For us, it was clear that we had to be the fittest team in the Championship, and all the physical stats show that we are now in the top two or three. We said we had to be stronger on set pieces and this is why we signed the one or other who is quite strong in the air.
“We said we have to be more ruthless from the mental side and relentless, and that’s why we signed the one or other who is a bit more experienced, and we said we have to be better in the wide areas. This is why we signed Borja and Fasi, and Jonny has also made an impact.
“The obligation was to make a transfer profit of more than £20million – if this is the task, you finish 13th and have to make a transfer profit, then it’s important that you sit together and have good ideas.
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