Craig Bellamy’s first 50 days as Wales manager in his own words
PONTYCLUN, WALES - 10 JULY 2024: Craig Bellamy holds his 1st press conference as the new Wales senior men’s national team manager Hensol Castle, The Vale Resort, Wales. (Pic by John Smith/FAW)
New Wales manager Craig Bellamy spoke of his excitement for the start of his managerial role as he looks to implement a clear identity in the national team.
Bellamy will take charge of his first fixture on the 6th of September as Wales take on Türkiye in the Nations League at The Cardiff City Stadium.
During a press conference announcing his first squad Bellamy said: “The last three weeks the more you’re looking at the squad, the more you’re watching games, getting your staff together as well I’ve loved, I’ve really loved the last few weeks.
“Grassroots is massive for me, being able to travel the country do as many talks as I can for local clubs and communities to raise money to put back into the community for younger teams and kids to play football I believe that’s a huge responsibility on me that I want to be involved in.
“No matter what I do results wise, whether successful or non successful ill be very successful at that, i’d have had a big print or left a mark on the care of Welsh football and the promotion of Welsh football for youngsters” said Bellamy when asked about his definition of success.
The new boss also spoke about his short term ambitions as he looks to create an identity in the way Wales play football.
“Result wise in what I see right now, I just was to create a clear identity of how we play, do I want to win every game of course I do, but over this six game period of the Nations League I want it to become so clear over these six games.
“Tactically and the knowledge of what our players are going to be able to take on board I believe that’s what’s going to give us an advantage, where we can adapt in games, where we don’t lose ninety minutes because we couldn’t adapt.”
Craig Bellamy confirms his Wales captain
It was confirmed that Cardiff City star Aaron Ramsey will remain as Wales captain but Bellamy will be looking for a host of leaders and captains amongst his squad.
“I understand the role of captaincy, I like a leadership group, a number of captains, a lot of senior players who have a lot of input. Aaron might be the captain, but I see a number of captains if I’m being honest.”
The 45-year old was also quizzed on the addition of goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who had previously turned down the opportunity to represent Wales at international level.
“I was aware he could play for Wales, I don’t know the conversations he had before with previous managers, but I had the opportunity to talk to him and he was really keen.
“I did pose the question towards him usually at your age players are looking to if they’ve been involved at international level to pull away and concentrate on family and club football, but he was reverse he felt like he needed to do this for him.
“He had an aim of going to a World Cup, he wanted to be a part of that, but also he was under no illusion that he was going to start he knows he’s going to have to compete for his place like everyone else is.
“I believe he will be a big asset just in leadership values especially someone with experience as well with such a young group will be a big benefit to the squad.”
