Johannes Hoff Thorup: Norwich boss resigned over Gabriel Sara sale

Having come from 2-0 down to draw with Hoffenheim in the previous game, Norwich were 3-0 down at half-time against St Pauli and although Jonathan Rowe pulled one back, they were unable to reduce the deficit further.

“There were times in the game when the performance was at a very high level, especially at the beginning of the game, and then there were times in the game when the performance was at a very low level. We have to find that balance,” Thorup said.

“We have to be sharper, we have to be better, both positionally and in individual decisions in those moments. We were very slow in our execution and we were a bit surprised that they came hard with the pressure, and we have to do better.”

Colombian defender José Córdoba, signed last month from Bulgarian club Levski Sofia, was again not involved.

Thorup added: “These guys who play for international teams, it’s a bit tricky for them because we have to find some holiday time for them as well (like pre-season).

“We can see now that we have to prepare him a bit more. I hope he will be ready for Saturday. But we have to respect that he is not fully fit at the moment.”

Norwich kick off the new season with a lunchtime trip to newly-promoted Oxford United on Saturday, having lost to former manager Daniel Farke’s Leeds United in last season’s playoffs, which led to the departure of manager David Wagner.