A new era will begin on Friday for the Welsh national team, with Craig Bellamy taking charge of the side for the first time as they meet Türkiye at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The 45-year-old made 78 appearances for the national team as a player, but missed out on the job in 2018 after the FAW opted to appoint Ryan Giggs instead. The opportunity opened back up for Bellamy following Rob Page’s sacking in June, and during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, he admitted that walking out of the tunnel as manager is “going to be a very proud moment.”
What did Craig Bellamy say?
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more passionate Welshman than Craig Bellamy. Now taking the managerial hot-seat after captaining the side during his playing career, the ex-Burnley assistant dons a tattoo paying tribute to Owain Glyndŵr on his arm.
“I’ve worked hard for this, and I’m going to recognise that,” insisted the new boss during his pre-match press conference at the Cardiff City Stadium, though he was quick to shut down any suggestions that emotions may take control on a crucial night for Welsh football.
“Of course it goes over in your head. It’s going to be a very proud moment,” he commented, immediately adding that “I’ve worked hard for this and I’m going to recognise that. But that moment when the game gets going, I’m not paid to be emotional. I’m paid to make the best decisions possible on the side.”
Embed from Getty Images“That’s the business I’m in straightaway. Of course I’m proud and I’m fully aware that the moment is going to catch me, but it has to leave very quick because there’s a big responsibility and the players need me as well.”
Throughout the entirety of Page’s tenure, the narrative emerging from the national team was one of a team in transition. It was wildly unpopular with the fans, and under Bellamy, there is potential for Wales to solidify their footballing identity as they strive towards their next major target: qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I see a young team and a lot of talent coming through, but if I’m honest I see a very good team right now. The way I’m looking to try and play is a little different to what they’ve done before,” he explained.
“With the talented players we have, if we can tweak and adapt one or two little bits it will give us a huge benefit going into future games. All I see is a good group of footballers.”