Craig Bellamy completely smashed the record for a new Wales manager going four games undefeated at the start of his time in the Nations League. Securing a first home win to go with an away win in Montenegro we see Wales in line for a showdown in Türkiye next month.
A beaming head coach said after the game. "It was a really good performance. A lot of changes which I did say to be prepared for. We need a big squad. The Nations League is brilliant, really competitive, it allows you to use your squad and there's loads of positives from that. There are some players who did well today. A squad really gives you a better chance to qualify for a major tournament. It really suits the bigger nations with the bigger squads”
Bellamy has come into a job which looked impossible under Rob Page, the lack of awareness by him and how to prepare and contest games was evident over the past eighteen months - after the World Cup. There is a feel good factor which only comes with winning and positivity. And last night despite just the one goal win it could have been so much more. Bellamy continued. "I am such a rookie. I really am. You just get a feel and you get moments. It's enjoyable, but when you are shouting and no one can hear you it's really annoying. I am just trying my best to enjoy it and I'm learning about myself. Football is just a small part for me. I try to be the best person I can be and there are moments I don't quite get it right. So, learning as a manager, it's just trying to be calm and trying to see the players getting to see that as well. You don't react or feel an emotion and want to take it out on anyone near you. The players are the most important. How can we give them every opportunity to make them the best they can be? It's about getting all those details and analysis right for them to go and enjoy themselves. I hope they are able to feel they've enjoyed it."
Bellamy playing down his ability as Wales head coach is pretty much like old TV favourite, Columbo turning round and asking ‘One more question’ …
Things will get edgy we know that but we have a country and a team which is playing with little fear, all Bellamy wants now is to see that control within games to be more comfortable. The two biggies come next month, away in Türkiye on November 16th and then home to Iceland on the 19th. The crucial tie is in Türkiye, where a win has to be the aim to win the group. But that’s well in the future for now.
The Swans who made a huge contribution to the Wales squad this time around - return to training tomorrow late morning, it’s looking possible there are no more injuries although Ben Cabango will need some work on several knocks he took last night. We will have news on Eom as soon as we get it. But don’t expect miracles.