Wales manager Bellamy feels a sense of responsibility as World Cup spot hangs in balance
Craig Bellamy, the Wales manager, shared with AFP on Friday his feeling of responsibility towards guiding the nation to the World Cup this summer, with a crucial home playoff clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina set for later this month.
The ex Manchester City and Liverpool forward has made a positive impact since stepping into the Wales role in July 2024, and the tournament across North America now seems attainable.
Under his predecessor Rob Page, Wales secured qualification for Qatar 2022, marking the first appearance in 64 years for a nation of just over three million inhabitants.
Bellamy, a former international player, noted that steering his home country back to the pinnacle of football would rank highly among his accomplishments.
Beyond that, he explained: "It maintains the upward trajectory. From our past achievements to the present, we must continue pursuing qualification and participation in major events to foster development.
"Over the past decade or so, football has seen significant growth in Wales.
"The enthusiasm among fans and within the sport has been immense. We need to sustain that energy."
Having earned 78 caps and netted 19 goals for Wales, Bellamy continued: "Thus, I sense a duty to perpetuate this progress."
The 46 year old found himself in Hong Kong to kick off the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens, an event involving two clubs from his playing days, West Ham and Newcastle.
Yet his focus remains firmly on the upcoming game versus Bosnia and Herzegovina, where a supportive audience awaits in Cardiff on March 26.
A victory there would see them face either Italy or Northern Ireland at home for a finals berth in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It does not feel right
In the Premier League, where Bellamy found the net 81 times, set pieces especially corners have become key tactics, particularly for league leaders Arsenal.
Critics have pointed to an excessive dependence on such dead ball scenarios this term, with Liverpool boss Arne Slot voicing his discomfort from a football purists view.
Bellamy, who predicts Arsenal will hold off Manchester City to claim the crown, maintains there are no absolute dos or donts in team styles.
However, he advocates for more live action to enhance the leagues appeal as a whole.
"When delays occur during set piece execution, it becomes an issue," he remarked.
"The essence of our sport lies in its pace, which is why it stands as the premier league worldwide. We must not undermine its commercial appeal."
Likewise, Bellamy has no intention of instructing Karl Darlow or his keepers to feign injuries, a tactic increasingly used strategically in matches.
"Coaches ought to employ every available strategy," he acknowledged.
Still, he confessed: "Personally, I am not in favour. We have talked about it, as one must, yet it leaves me uneasy."