Lambert prepared to 'win ugly'

Lambert prepared to 'win ugly'

Published Jul. 25, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

The Canaries have returned from a productive training camp in Germany, which saw them play two low-key friendlies, and continue their build-up at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, the first of three games this week. When the action starts for real at Wigan on August 13, Lambert knows over the next ninth months Norwich will face a whole new ball game after securing successive promotions back to England's elite. "We have to have another way of playing as well, that is important for us. With the level we are going to, I don't think you can have it set in stone one way you are going to play," Lambert said. "We are going to have to hang in unbelievably in certain games, but also we have got to try to win games. "That is the main point, you play football to win. "You can do it and be playing great, I am just not so sure you can keep on doing that, sometimes you might have to win ugly, which you will take." Lambert added: "We have earned the right to play these teams, so we have got to give it a go. "You also have to be sensible about it because you are up against established teams with world-class players. "But we are not going to go anywhere and think we will get turned over." Norwich have brought in seven new players over the summer, with the latest addition full-back Kyle Naughton, on a season loan from Tottenham, expected to join up with the squad ahead of Thursday's friendly at Southend. Lambert is more than happy with the way the group is shaping up and maintains the likes of James Vaughan, Steve Morison, Elliott Ward, Antony Pilkington, Bradley Johnson and on-loan Manchester United defender Ritchie de Laet will have just as much chance to cement a place in the team as those who helped guide the Canaries up from League One. "You keep on looking and trying to improve everything, that is the nature of the game," Lambert said. "The lads who have come in have done great, and equally the lads who were already here have been too. "The squad is pretty strong. "It is a level playing field for everyone, and it is up to the players themselves to force their way in."

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