Craig Bellamy warns Wales’ opponents ‘this is the worst we will be’ as he gets managerial reign underway in 0-0 draw against Turkey
Optimistic Craig Bellamy is confident Wales will only go from strength to strength under his leadership, warning his future opponents: “This is the worst thing we’ll ever see.”
In his first match as national coach, Bellamy’s side produced a fluid display of attacking football against Turkey, but failed to crown their performance with the goal that would have given them a deserved victory over the Euro 2024 quarter-finalists.
Aaron Ramsey wasted two good chances, while Joe Rodon, Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson also came close. Bellamy has scored 19 goals in 78 games for his country and would certainly have missed a few. He now takes his team to Montenegro on Monday, as they hope to build on an encouraging start to their Nations League campaign.
“Trust me, this is the worst thing we’re going to do,” Bellamy said. “The more time we spend together, the more we go over the fine details, the more we’re going to learn.
“We’ve been great. It’s such a good start, but there’s so much more to come. I look in the mirror every day and ask myself if I’m enjoying what I’m doing – and I’m enjoying it.
Optimistic Craig Bellamy is confident Wales will go from strength to strength under his leadership
Bellamy began his coaching reign in Friday’s goalless draw against Turkey
Aaron Ramsey (right) was one of the players who missed good chances for Wales
“I’m not trying to reinvent anything. There have been much better managers and there will be much better ones after me. But this style of football is what I like and what I want the players to like.
“If you don’t have the ball, get it back. I don’t like to sit still. That’s not my thing as a person. There will be times when you have to, but you have to try to dominate as much as possible.”
Bellamy scored 19 goals in 78 games for his country and after a long apprenticeship as a coach he took up his first role as manager last July.
In less than a week, the 45-year-old has overhauled Wales’ style of play, moving from the counter-attacking tactics favoured by Robert Page to a possession-based game.
As well as the missed opportunities, Bellamy will also have been disappointed that Wales were unable to capitalise when Turkey were reduced to ten men shortly after the hour mark after Baris Yilmaz was shown his second yellow card.
Bellamy was an energetic ball along the touchline and joked that he almost started having doubts in the build-up to the match.
“An hour before the game I was like, ‘What have I done?’ I had such a good life before this,” Bellamy smiled. “But I’ve worked hard for this and I’m prepared.
Wales had hoped the red card given to Baris Alper Yilmaz (left) would give them a path to victory
Bellamy was an energetic ball on the touchline and joked that he almost thought twice about the game in the run-up
“I have prepared for all scenarios. A career in football has taught me to be prepared for everything that happens on the pitch. I have learned a lot during my time as a coach.
“I took my time to make this decision, but it was the right time for me to become a manager. I wasn’t a master after one game, but I enjoyed it.”
Ramsey should have done better in the early stages with a close-range header and a tap-in at the near post, while Rodon’s shot wide from the penalty area and Sorba Thomas’ goal was ruled out for offside.
Bellamy added: ‘We will make changes. Montenegro is different from Turkey and we will adapt.’