Everything Rob Page said ahead of qualifier with Czech Republic
Hensol, Wales. 1st June 2021. Joe Rodon of Wales during training at the Vale resort ahead of their international friendly against France tomorrow. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD/
Rob page faced the media ahead of Wales’ vital World Cup Qualifier against the Czech Republic on Friday. Page spoke about how his squad have no new injury concerns, and announced that Aaron Ramsey will be captain in the upcoming games.
Page said that its frustrating the amount of injuries and the lack of game time at clubs some of his squad have had.
“Thankfully no we’ve we’ve had enough to deal with pre camp and during camp so you know it’s been a frustration of ours for months now.
“Unfortunately it’s something that we just have to deal with.
“We haven’t got as many players playing domestic football week in week out as we’d like. It just happens to be that we’ve had a few defenders pull up this camp.
“Really important ones as well because its not fringe players. Its players that have been a big part of the success we’ve had in recent months and years. So that is a frustration and the minute you know the fullbacks and wingbacks are not under percent fit. We have to manage that as well this week so it’s difficult”
Connor Roberts who has had limited game time since the Euro’s. Roberts who made a deadline day switch from Swansea to Burnley. Page said that Burnley were not too keen for him to join the Welsh squad.
“Well I actually don’t think there were two keen from that come on camp. Connor’s shown up, so loyalty whatever you want to call it commitment to the cause, he was adamant he was coming away.
“But we have to be respectful of Burnley and respectful to Connor and his needs. Realistically, he’s played 45 minutes between now and the game against Denmark. After he’s come back from that he’s had a slight thigh strain. So this is his first two three days back on the grass.
“So you know we have to manage that and be realistic in our expectations with him.”
The injuries to key players and lack of game time could open the door for new call-up Sorba Thomas. The Huddersfield Town player has been selected for the Wales squad for the first time. Page has been impressed with the 22-year-old.
“Well yeah we’ve been impressed with Sorba absolutely and he hasn’t surprised me.
“That’s the reason he’s in the squad you know. Because we’ve been out and many of us have watched him over the recent weeks and months now and he has impressed.
“Whether he starts or not I’m going to keep close to my chest but all he can worry about is how he trains and yeah he’s he’s done really well”
Aaron Ramsey will captain the Welsh side as they face the Czech’s. With limited playing time, this season at Juventus Page believes Ramsey can still reach the levels he has before.
“Aaron’s training really well. Like I said in recent interviews Aaron’s learning now the older he gets to manage his body from a conditioning point of view.
“He’s taken upon himself to employ other physios and fitness coaches to make to maintain that level, that he’s he got us to in the Euros in summer.”
On selecting Ramsey as Captain Page stated that he’s unlikely to surprise anyone,
“I don’t think I’m going to surprise too many there.
“I just think you see him train again today and when he’s out there, he’s you know, he just he does actually inspire the players. He absolutely does.
“And I think after bail I think he’s he’s the natural one for me.”
Wales will kick off against the Czech Republic in Prague at 19:45 on Friday evening.
