Todd Cantwell’s promotion to Norwich City’s starting line-up was no reflection on Emi Buendia, insisted Daniel Farke.

Buendia was a surprise omission for the 2-0 Premier League win at Everton as Cantwell grabbed his chance with a goalscoring impact on Merseyside.

The Argentine made a costly error in the previous home defeat to Watford, but responded with a key role in Dennis Srbeny's match-clinching strike at Goodison Park during a late cameo.

"An unbelievably tough call," said Farke. "We know Emi is a genius and how important he can be but it was not a decision only about Emi. It was more a decision for Todd, because he has been brilliant at times with two goals and a few assists earlier this season.

"He was pretty impressive on the training pitch during the international break and we got the feeling the time had come for another start.

"It was a major all-round performance. He was solid in his defending, good in his tactical behaviour and pretty cool in front of goal with a clinical finish. I was delighted for Todd. It was nothing to do with Emi.

"It was a decision for Todd and on this level all the players have to accept they might not be in the side or even the travelling squad.

"We have a great unity and it is that belief that carries us. It is not so much about individuals but the group - and that was one for the group."

Farke accepts he will not always be flavour of the month as he strives to get City up the table.

"In a group of 25 players, you might have one or two who are 100pc happy. The rest will be somewhere between thinking the coach is alright and wanting to kill me," he joked. "Here you have a group of 25 and just 11 are allowed to play and maybe eight of those play 90 minutes. One of the key topics as a coach is man management. That's quite normal and I have to deal with it.

"I know when I don't pick them they aren't unbelievably happy. If they are not overly happy in a situation when I don't play them or even a little bit angry that is quite normal, but I don't have a feeling they react in an unprofessional way.

"I want them to be a bit disappointed and show a reaction on the training pitch and then it's up to me to decide when they are prepared to be back.

"If you lose the trust or the love in your players then you have a problem."