As Wales head coach Craig Bellamy leads his team to an impressive unbeaten run in the UEFA Nations League, he is relishing the opportunity to prove critics wrong about his managerial temperament. The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward, known for his fiery personality as a player, has been a picture of calm and composure on the sidelines.
“I probably feel it was important to show people I am not a lunatic — I’m quite sane,” Bellamy quipped when asked about his demeanor as Wales boss. The 43-year-old acknowledges the perceptions that followed him from his playing days, but is determined to showcase a different side in his new role.
Unbeaten Run and World Cup Ambitions
Under Bellamy’s leadership, Wales have gone undefeated through their first six matches in the Nations League, securing promotion with a resounding 4-1 victory over Iceland. Despite the strong start, the new manager remains focused on the ultimate goal: qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
“We’ve still got a long way to go. It’s six games. We’ve had good periods,” Bellamy assessed. “I believe they can play. I believe they can pass the ball. People might say you can’t but I do.”
He continued, “We want to go to a World Cup — we’ve got to get that ticked off. If we get there, we want to compete. These players deserve to be there.”
Changing Perceptions and Staying Calm
For Bellamy, taking the Wales job was about more than just tactics and results. It was an opportunity to reshape his public image and demonstrate his growth as a person and manager.
“People thought I was going to be running on the pitch and pushing the ref and stuff, getting sent off,” he admitted. “I probably felt more pushed into management to show I am not like that. People used to bring temperament up. ‘Oh yeah, but his temperament.’ I was like: ‘Really?’ Now you get to see this side of me.”
The Wales boss recognizes that challenges will come, but remains committed to maintaining his composure, even in the face of adversity.
“You’ll [the media] see me even calmer and kinder when it goes wrong,” Bellamy insisted. “Now is the worst period you can get me in because my emotions are everywhere. Trust me, you get nowhere being that way.”
Belief in His Players
Beyond his personal growth, Bellamy’s success thus far can be attributed to the unwavering belief he has in his squad. He sees potential in his players that others may overlook, and is determined to help them reach new heights.
“I believe they can play. I believe they can pass the ball. People might say you can’t but I do,” he reiterated. This faith in his team’s abilities has been a driving force behind their strong performances.
The Road Ahead
As Bellamy and Wales continue their journey in the Nations League and beyond, the manager remains realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. However, he is committed to facing them head-on, with the same calm and collected approach he has displayed thus far.
“I’m not naive enough to know those moments aren’t coming. I don’t know when but it’s going to happen. I feel like some are waiting for it happen. I know that and I have to stay calm with that.”
With Bellamy at the helm, Wales fans have reason to be optimistic about the future. The team’s unbeaten run and the manager’s transformed persona have injected a renewed sense of belief and excitement into Welsh football.
As the road to the 2026 World Cup begins to take shape, all eyes will be on Craig Bellamy and his Wales squad. If their early success under his leadership is any indication, they may just prove the doubters wrong and make their mark on the global stage.
