Craig Bellamy, the Wales manager, made headlines during an awkward interview with a Sky Sports presenter. The 45-year-old stopped the presenter in his tracks after being labelled as in charge of a “small football nation”. Bellamy appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football show as part of the coverage of Newcastle United’s 3-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League.
During the interview, Bellamy discussed his experience as Wales manager, a position he took up in July of the previous year after Rob Page’s departure. In his eight games in charge of the team, Bellamy has not yet suffered a loss, winning four games and drawing the rest. He also mentioned collecting four points from six in the first two games of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The moment that created a stir was when the presenter, Dave Jones, referred to Wales as a “smaller footballing nation.” Bellamy quickly disagreed, stating firmly, “No, no, I disagree,” challenging the label placed on his team. Jones attempted to rectify his statement by calling Wales a “big footballing nation” and later corrected it to “a proud footballing nation.” However, he added that Wales isn’t “high achieving” and lacks an “incredible history.”
Bellamy was prompt in pointing out that Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, highlighting their achievement. He further dismissed the notion that Wales should be viewed as underdogs in world football. The Wales manager emphasized the importance of building a strong team identity, fostering courage, and ensuring enjoyment among the players.
He spoke of the connection between the fans and players, acknowledging the work of previous managers and initiatives like Together Stronger. Bellamy stressed the need for players to enjoy the game, stating that while technical aspects are crucial, it is essential to find joy in playing. He also discussed his efforts to align the team’s style of play with his vision and goals for the future.
Throughout the interview, Bellamy remained composed and assertive in correcting any misconceptions about Welsh football. His confident responses and focus on building a strong team culture resonated with viewers. Bellamy’s unwavering belief in the team’s potential and his dedication to enhancing their performance were evident during the discussion.
The interaction between Bellamy and the Sky Sports presenter showcased the Wales manager’s commitment to challenging perceptions and promoting a positive image of Welsh football. As the interview concluded, Bellamy’s resolute attitude left a lasting impression, reinforcing his role in shaping the team’s identity and driving their success on the international stage.