Bellamy says abuse made Wales’ winless spell ‘really difficult’

Wales boss opens up after first Nations League A win

Craig Bellamy has described the criticism he faced during Wales’ winless run as “really difficult”, speaking after his team came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 at Cardiff City Stadium.

The victory ended a six-game winless spell that began with Wales’ defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off semi-final in March. It was also Wales’ first victory in the Nations League’s top tier, in their ninth match at that level, and the first time during Bellamy’s tenure that they had beaten a nation ranked higher in the world.

Craig Bellamy speaking after Wales' victory over Norway

‘It’s been a really difficult couple of months’

Asked whether the win had lifted a weight from his shoulders, Bellamy said he had “felt the stick” since the loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina. “The summer wasn’t easy, then these games weren’t easy,” he said. “I’ve seen it; I’ve drawn on experience because I’ve seen managers before me get it. I’ve been part of that, and I’ve seen the abuse. I’ve seen the abuse the previous manager got just before me, and I have to be honest, it’s been a really difficult couple of months.”

Bellamy, appointed Wales head coach in July 2024, had also faced criticism after holding talks over a possible move to Burnley in June. He said the negativity had affected his family. “It’s not me but I have kids and a wife; it’s for them – they see it,” he said.

He urged people to be more considerate while acknowledging that football managers are open to criticism. “I’m not saying everyone’s above criticism, far from it. But I think it’s too easy, and we’re too quick,” he said, adding that he wished people in Wales would “have each other’s backs” more.

‘I give everything for my country’

Bellamy said he did not want to spoil the mood after what he called a morale-boosting result. “I’m really happy with it, but I’m happy for the country, you understand?” he said. “It’s like, I give everything for my country. Everything. I turned down big money to keep doing this. I love doing this.”