‘Ignore the noise’ – Rob Page responds to Wales sack rumours

Rob Page admitted he is unsure on wether speculation surrounding his future as Wales manager is true ahead of Sunday’s clash with Croatia.

Page was asked in Saturdays press conference due to recent rumours that Wales FA chief executive Noel Mooney wanted to appoint Roy Keane as manager in the summer.

Page said: “Ive not spoken to the chief executive so it is speculation, Ive not spoken to him at all about it so I can’t tell you wether its true or not.”

He added: “before the World Cup I signed a four year deal, the long term plan for me is to start introducing young players in to this group. We’re in a transition period we’ve said this time and time again, were losing big players like Joe Allen, Gareth Bale, not just what they bring on the pitch but the value they had in the changing room.”

“you seen the other night that the young talent we’ve got coming through, you’ve seen last night with what the Under 21’s did in the 96th minute to get an equaliser in Prague its a very good team.”

“the relationship me and Matty (Matt Jones) have got, were developing these young players and it’s going to take time, hence why we signed a four year contract to get the job done.”

speaking on the speculation he said: “I get the frustration at times, we want to win games of football. Every game I play I want to win, but there’s got to be a little bit of perspective on it as well of the bigger picture as we are planning for the future. I am doing what’s best for the FAW not for myself.”

Page also spoke about the togetherness of his staff and playing squad in what has been a difficult period for the national side. His staff sat in at the press conference as a gesture of support.

He said: “it’s a great gesture from them, it’s not something I was preparing for but I appreciate and respect that.”

He added: “as a group in that changing room, as a group of staff we are really close and everybody’s pushing in the right direction.”

Page also admitted that it is ‘massive’ for his side to have home advantage at the Cardiff City Stadium for the Croatia clash on Sunday.

He said: “the atmosphere we create in Cardiff City Stadium is incredible, I’ve said in the past the support helped us get across the line in two big games in Austria and Ukraine one hundred percent, the supporters are fantastic.”

He added: “I see that we’ve already sold thirty plus thousand on a Sunday evening, our support is tremendous and will again continue to play a massive part.”

Page also had a message for the fans that will be at the Cardiff City Stadium for Sunday’s match.

He said: “keep backing the players one hundred percent, the supporters have been incredible, they played a massive part in helping us achieve our aim of qualification for the Euro’s, for the World Cup, for promotion from B to A in the Nations League.”

“it’s a very special stadium when we have it rocking like we do with 32,000, so same again tomorrow night please.”