Craig Bellamy wants his Wales players to feel the love as he looks to extend his unbeaten start as manager by beating Montenegro on Monday.
Wales have drawn two and won one under Bellamy and will look to repeat the best performance of his tenure so far – the 0-0 draw with Turkey last month – when they play in front of their own fans again at the Cardiff City Stadium.
There’s a lot to like about Wales in the Bellamy era so far, as well as a wrinkle or two.
Friday’s second-half performance in Reykjavik, when Wales threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Iceland, was a little alarming.
But it’s worth remembering that before their former captain replaced Robert Page in the hotseat, Wales drew 0-0 in Gibraltar and lost 4-0 in Slovakia.
Craig Bellamy is determined Wales will continue their positive start in the Nations League
The Dragons are unbeaten in three games since Bellamy replaced Rob Page as manager in July
As well as results on the pitch, the former Liverpool star wants his players to enjoy playing for their country
In addition to promotion to the highest level of the Nations League, Bellamy is focusing on the World Cup qualifiers, which start in the spring.
He wants to achieve positive results, but also ensure that international football is a pleasure and not a chore for his players.
“I want you to love this,” Bellamy said. “I want you to come away thinking, ‘I can’t wait to play again.’ I don’t want you to get the feeling I sometimes felt as a player. I remember playing against Ireland in Croke Park (in March 2007). I cried. I touched the ball three times. No one came to talk to me to say, “Sorry I left you up there alone.”
‘I never want anyone to feel that way when they play for Wales. We must give everyone a fair chance to show their true talent. If fans get excited, I will never try to stop it. Be excited. Be exaggerated. You have that right and you should feel that way.
‘We are so quick to downplay things. We know where we stand and it’s not what I’m telling you it is! I want people to be impressed. We must enjoy this.
“This country has given us reason to be optimistic for a number of years. It was incredible for us. We want to keep it that way.’
Bellamy revealed that his own experiences of international football have colored his approach to management
Wales will be without Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson due to suspension and midfielders Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu and Aaron Ramsey are also missing.
Joe Allen came out of international retirement to join Bellamy’s squad for this double-header, but his manager admitted it would be a risk to start the 34-year-old, who has been limited to just six substitute appearances for Swansea this season .
Bellamy added: “It’s obviously a gamble if you throw him in from the start because of his minutes and football this year. Hopefully he’ll kick the ball for me tomorrow.
“Even if he doesn’t, he’s had a great week for us and he’s been really positive.”