There has been a vast amount of talking and some of it from head coach, Craig Bellamy has been inspirational. Especially when he talks about how he wants this current Wales side to play.
Talking yesterday afternoon Bellamy stated. "I need my players to feel free. I can’t put any shackles on. If you give the ball away and you hear me in the background yelling, then it’s not going to help or improve the player. I have to allow my players to be the best they can be.” Not the conservative and downright snail like tactics of Rob Page, keeping it safe then losing games. Bellamy excites me with his vision, his desire to bring back the fire into Welsh football is inspiring. He went on "Being prepared for different solutions that could occur and being calm to make the right decision at the right moment. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Aaron Ramsey also had his say, some are not happy with his selection again, but Bellamy is and he has made Ramsay captain. About that Ramsay has said. "I think I can add value to that as well ahead of the World Cup. I don’t see any value in just playing the Nations League. It’s all the way through now. I’m feeling good. I’m excited with the potential of this team.” Ramsay needs to understand he has potentially six international games playing for Wales in the Nations League this year alone. He needs to stay focussed on his role now, not next year. The minute he starts looking off the pace, lost, or in need of reenergising he has to be considered replacing. Of course in a red shirt we will always hope not.
No matter what ‘value’ Ramsay believes he can bring. We saw too many ‘mates’ of Rob Page cluttering up squads he chose over the last eighteen months of his time managing his country. There has to be a ruthless streak on the pitch, and there has to be one off it. At the time of writing we have no news whatsoever on Liam Cullen, nothing from the Wales camp, and nothing from the Swans. Why ? That was the big question we spoke about yesterday evening after looking through this weeks news and planning ahead.
The other big discussion in Wales circles is the inclusion of Karl Darlow, we had our say on him earlier this week.
⚽️ Click —> Nations League build up
There’s definitely a split in opinion, some don’t want him in the squad as he has ignored Wales for some twelve years turning down invites to play. That was a huge call by Bellamy, Darlow is a decent keeper and was clearly someone the head coach wanted. That has to be respected, but many won’t regardless.
This game has a really good feel about it this morning. A new head coach and staff, and most certainly a new direction with some passionate and intelligent words from Bellamy. We will build up to the game tonight later.
Wales v Turkey (7:45pm) BBC iPlayer/S4C