Rob Page’s future as Wales manager is hanging in the balance as he gears up Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia that could decide his fate
Rob Page’s future as Wales manager hangs in the balance as he prepares for Euro 2024 qualifying in Latvia, which could decide his fate
- Wales sit fourth in their group, three points behind the qualifying spots
- The trip to Latvia on Monday evening and they are desperate for results
- Only the top two from each group automatically qualify for next summer’s final
Rob Page’s future as Wales boss hangs in the balance as he prepares for Monday’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia, which could decide the fate of himself and his team.
With only the top two from each group automatically qualifying for next summer’s finals in Germany, Wales sit fourth – three points behind second-placed Croatia, who have played a match more – heading into the crucial match in Riga.
Page signed a four-year contract a year ago, but results since then have been poor, with Wales performing horribly at last winter’s World Cup and showing no signs of improvement since. Latvia have lost all four games so far and if Wales cannot make it five out of five, Page’s employers at the Welsh FA will have to make a decision.
They face Croatia and Turkey at home in their final three qualifying matches, either side of a trip to Armenia, who won 4-2 in Cardiff in June.
Rob Page’s future as Wales boss hangs in the balance as he prepares for Monday’s qualifier
Page was typically defiant as he reflected on Wales’ alarming decline since signing his new contract. “I’ve been playing since I was 16 and I’ve been criticized all my life,” he said. ‘As a player, coach and manager. It’s part of the job.
‘You will be tested and will face challenging times. It’s how you respond and respond to it. Former players and coaches who are out of work have their own agendas.
‘I refuse to get carried away and the only thing we can control is getting three points against Latvia. If that works, we’re looking forward to October. We still believe.”
At least publicly, the players are behind Page. Although his powers were waning, Gareth Bale was an inspiration to both the team and the country, and his retirement has left a big hole.
Defender Chris Mepham said: “We are responsible. As a manager you can only give so much. It was important that we support him and show that we are more than good enough to achieve results.
‘You don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on yourself, but at the same time we are all realistic and we know that if we don’t get results, it could be a very tough campaign for us. It’s a must-win, I think we know that.’