Angry Wales boss Bellamy shows his new old self

Craig Bellamy, who took charge of Wales in July 2024, has committed to a four-year coaching role. On Tuesday night, the former Liverpool and Manchester City forward revealed a different side of his personality as Wales’ head coach. Was it a sign of his evolving style, or a return to his more passionate past?

The team was struggling in a home friendly against Northern Ireland, and Bellamy’s frustration boiled over during the first half. For the first time since his appointment, he unleashed his temper, slamming tables and raising his voice in front of his players. “It was the first half-time I had to go in and really go,” he said. “My hand’s still hurting from hitting the table.”

“We cannot be that. I can accept a poor performance with the ball and mistakes are never a problem. But winning duels, winning second balls, coming back together, that to me means the most.”

Bellamy emphasized his belief in the team’s potential, noting that preparation for the World Cup was at stake. “Did I get them ready enough? Because I thought I did before and the messaging of ‘We can’t waste games’ and ‘Average teams have excuses’.” He added, “I don’t believe we’re an average team, but our behaviour was. We wasted a half.”

Team’s reaction to Bellamy’s outburst

Centre-back Joe Rodon remarked it was the first time the current Wales squad had witnessed Bellamy’s anger. Fans familiar with his playing days would not be surprised by his fiery nature. Throughout his career, Bellamy often sparked controversy both on and off the field, despite his many accomplishments.

Though Bellamy may have softened in his coaching role, the half-time tirade suggested his passionate temperament remains. The match itself lacked excitement, prompting the need for a catalyst. For Wales, the game was a far cry from the intense moments they had hoped for under Cardiff City Stadium lights.

Apathy and attendance

The fixture had been a sell-out, but the atmosphere was muted. Fans were encouraged to secure tickets in advance for a potential World Cup play-off final against Italy. However, the emotional toll of their penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina five days prior left many disheartened.

Approximately 300 Northern Ireland supporters traveled to Cardiff, attempting to invigorate the crowd. Yet, the low turnout underscored the general lack of enthusiasm. The noise level contrasted sharply with the usual fervor, resembling the quiet opening of a Test match at Lord’s.

Boos and Bellamy’s response

When forward Brennan Johnson entered as a second-half substitute, some Wales fans expressed discontent. “I didn’t hear it,” Bellamy claimed. “I thought the fans who were there were top. And it was more of them than I expected because I know we don’t like disappointment.”

Despite his expectations, the crowd did not erupt in boos. “I was expecting boos at half-time,” he said. “I was with it! But there weren’t boos. I even asked Crofty [assistant manager Andrew Crofts] after the game: ‘How good were our fans today?’”

Looking ahead, Bellamy’s focus now shifts to the Nations League. Wales will begin their top-tier campaign in September, followed by Euro 2028 qualifiers next year. For now, he plans to take a two-week break to recover. “I’ll probably have about two weeks off now — I need to rest,” he said.