How can you best judge a new manager, a new way of playing and a new identity after six games?
If you listen to Craig Bellamy, he breaks it down into a very simple answer. He and his coaches can do whatever they want no matter what the game is, but the hard truth is that football is about results.
Bellamy wants to win. He says that a lot, but he’s consistent about it. He has a plan and a vision for how it will happen, but winning is everything. Just win.
He has had the luxury of a wider perspective in the Nations League, but ultimately it’s all about winning next time.
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Wales coach Craig Bellamy was visibly emotional about his side’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup after beating Iceland 4-1 in the Nations League.
Bellamy and his backroom team have so far held three camps and six matches to work with the players he has selected to represent Wales. In doing so, he sets out to achieve his goals, some of which are public and others private, which he is confident will remain within the group.
As for the short-term goal of creating a Welsh ‘identity’ under Bellamy, he has certainly achieved that. The players are on board and judging by what they say they are happy with, so is the majority of the public and supporters.
They can see the side playing for the shirt and badge. Although that’s kind of a given for Welsh sportsmen and women! But there is also the freedom of key plays to take risks and attack the football. So far, it has paid off.
Liam Cullen celebrates Wales’ goal against Iceland
The Nations League has been a useful activity for Wales. Competition was maligned in some quarters but convenient in others.
A meaningless friendly game will not really give the coach an edge in the game he or she is trying to replicate. The Nations League has done this for Wales and has been a competition where Bellamy can utilize many players, watch them play, rotate, change shape and experiment.
The end game is not about basking in the glory of success in the Nations League, but preparing the squad to compete hard in next year’s World Cup qualifiers. This is the main mission. Promotion to the Nations League is a bonus.
Brennan Johnson scores his third goal against Iceland.
It’s what happens next that will ultimately define Bellamy and this generation of players. The new coach, who has just six games of managerial experience, has been hired to take Wales to the 2026 World Cup.
3 wins and 3 draws in 6 games is unlucky. Bellamy must do the right thing and have the desired effect to shape his team and prepare them for the more difficult challenges to come.
He says there will be tough times, but based on what he has learned so far, he can succeed and make it to the US/Canada/Mexico. Why not?
This is a view echoed by the FAW chief executive who hired Bellamy. “Exceeding expectations” was his summary of the Nations League campaign and Wales’ promotion to Group A.
It’s a good start, but it’s only the beginning. The CEO knows it, and so does Bellamy.
