logo
Craig Bellamy: Wales will prepare for Liechtenstein the same way as any opponent

Craig Bellamy: Wales will prepare for Liechtenstein the same way as any opponent

Liechtenstein are among the whipping boys of world football and ranked 205th out of FIFA's 210 nations.
They have not won a competitive game since September 2020, and lost their opening two World Cup qualifiers in March to North Macedonia and Kazakhstan 3-0 and 2-0 respectively.
'We win the game, that's it, That's the honest truth,' Bellamy said at his pre-match press conference.
'I don't care about scorelines. We have to win, that's all we're working for this week.
'We've prepared for Liechtenstein as we did for Turkey and everyone else. It doesn't matter who we play against.
'I've watched the same amount of games on Liechtenstein as I have for every other team. My psyche can't work any different.
'I honestly believe if you disrespect the game it will catch you out. Do I understand people looking past it? Of course I do.
'But I was up late last night. I didn't sleep well. Does that tell you something? I treat every team the same.
'The same messages have been fed to the players. It doesn't matter.'
Wales opened their World Cup campaign in March with a 3-1 home victory over Kazakhstan and a last-gasp 1-1 draw in North Macedonia.
The Dragons know a far tougher test against group favourites Belgium lies ahead in Brussels on Monday.
Bellamy has utilised much of his squad in previous double-headers since being appointed last summer.
He is likely to do so again with such a quick turnaround before the Belgium game, although Leeds winger Daniel James is likely to miss out against Liechtenstein.
'Unfortunately Dan picked up an illness so we've had to separate him from the group,' said Bellamy.
'We can't afford to have any other players infected.
'We're monitoring him and monitoring the situation, but we've got cover. It's OK.'
Captain Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson have joined up for international duty after helping Tottenham to Europa League glory against Manchester United.
Johnson scored the winner in the Bilbao final to end Tottenham's 17-year wait for a trophy.
Davies said: 'We had a couple of days celebrating, but you keep going on that merry-go-round and the next game seems to come up.
'I think Brennan has shown this year that he's a top, top player and proven a lot of people wrong.
'We've got full confidence in him in this Wales squad, that he can replicate his form at the club, here.
'We love having him around the place and I feel we've got the best Brennan at the moment.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Thomas Frank responds to Tottenham approach after Ange Postecoglou sacking
Thomas Frank responds to Tottenham approach after Ange Postecoglou sacking

Metro

time41 minutes ago

  • Metro

Thomas Frank responds to Tottenham approach after Ange Postecoglou sacking

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is interested in replacing Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, according to reports. Spurs finally confirmed Postecoglou's sacking on Friday evening in a statement which claimed that they could not keep the 59-year-old in place because of the 'emotions' of winning the Europa League. Postecoglou guided Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years last month with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao. However, Postecoglou ultimately lost his job due to his side's woeful Premier League campaign in which they finished 17th in the table with 22 defeats. Tottenham are now in talks to secure Postecoglou's replacement ahead of their pre-season campaign and an approach has been made to Frank. According to The Telegraph, Frank is interested in becoming Tottenham's next manager and the Brentford boss is regarded as 'the leading candidate'. The report adds that Frank still has a positive relationship with Spurs' sporting director, Johan Lange, following their time together at Danish side Lyngby. Postecoglou, who earned a £2 million bonus for winning the Europa League and was given a £4m compensation package by Tottenham, is also said to have received immediate interest from clubs following his dismissal. Elsewhere, Portuguese newspaper Record reported on Friday night that Fulham manager, Marco Silva, is 'very close' to reaching an agreement with Spurs. 'When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride. 'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. 'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. 'We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. 'I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis. 'And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. 'We are forever connected.' Tottenham, meanwhile, described the call to sack Postecoglou as 'one of the toughest decisions we have had to make'. 'We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw,' Tottenham's statement read. 'However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. More Trending 'At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph. 'It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. 'This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision. 'We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future – he will always be welcome back at our home.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Former Tottenham star warns Man Utd that £60m transfer could be hijacked MORE: Newcastle make move for £50million Chelsea transfer target after Bryan Mbeumo picks Man Utd MORE: Bruno Fernandes has already named the striker who would be perfect for Man Utd

BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou
BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou

Cost of sacking Postecoglou has been revealed ALL OVER GLOU BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A THEORY has been revealed that explains the timing of Ange Postecoglou's sacking. Spurs chief Daniel Levy axed the boss last night - just 16 days after he lifted the Europa League. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Ange Postecoglou was sacked after exactly two years at Spurs Credit: Getty 2 Daniel Levy held fire for 16 days after the final Credit: Getty Victory over Manchester United in Bilbao ended the club's 17-year wait for a trophy. But after leaving Postecoglou in the dark over his future, Spurs finally announced he was relieved of his duties yesterday. It marked exactly two years to the day from when the Australian landed the job. BBC senior football reporters Ian Dennis and Sami Mokbel discussed the sacking on the Football Daily Podcast. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL LIONESS LOVE SPLIT England's Millie Bright leaves fiancé & falls for married gym trainer Both were adamant that the move to get rid of Postecoglou was made before the final. They said league form was seen as the "true barometer" and Europa League success was just a "bump in the road" to their ultimate decision. Dennis shared a theory that explained the over two-week wait for the confirmation. He tweeted: "Interesting his departure was timed after he had completed two years and on the first day of his third year. Significant in any settlement?" Postecoglou has reportedly pocketed £4m after being shown the exit door by Levy. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS He already collected a £2m bonus for getting the club into the Champions League. Brentford's Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over and he has a £10m release clause in his contract. Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager? Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola remains in contention.

BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou
BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou

A THEORY has been revealed that explains the timing of Ange Postecoglou's sacking. Spurs chief Daniel Levy axed the boss last night - just 16 days after he lifted the Europa League. 2 2 Victory over Manchester United in Bilbao ended the club's 17-year wait for a trophy. But after leaving Postecoglou in the dark over his future, Spurs finally announced he was relieved of his duties yesterday. It marked exactly two years to the day from when the Australian landed the job. BBC senior football reporters Ian Dennis and Sami Mokbel discussed the sacking on the Football Daily Podcast. Both were adamant that the move to get rid of Postecoglou was made before the final. They said league form was seen as the "true barometer" and Europa League success was just a "bump in the road" to their ultimate decision. Dennis shared a theory that explained the over two-week wait for the confirmation. He tweeted: "Interesting his departure was timed after he had completed two years and on the first day of his third year. Significant in any settlement?" Postecoglou has reportedly pocketed £4m after being shown the exit door by Levy. He already collected a £2m bonus for getting the club into the Champions League. Brentford's Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over and he has a £10m release clause in his contract. Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager? Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola remains in contention. Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham Sacking ANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed. It read: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride. "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. "Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. "That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. "There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. "We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. "I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. "I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. "It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis. "And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. "A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. 'We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store