2026-03-28 10:34:02
Craig Bellamy doesn’t want to “wish away” his time as Wales manager.
The 46-year-old former striker took charge of the national side in July 2024 but made it clear he wouldn’t be staying a long time, prompting speculation he could leave after their 2026 World Cup campaign, even though he is under contract until 2028.
But Craig has now admitted he has the “best job in the world” and is determined to enjoy leading his country’s side, with the thought of a home Euro 2028 tournament – which will be co-hosted by Wales, England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland – offering huge appeal.
He told BBC Sport Wales: “I know when it happens [that I leave] I’ll be like, ‘I wish I was back there’, so don’t wish it away.
“Very few people get this opportunity so enjoy every second of it because it’s not here forever. I don’t think anyone would want me here forever! So I try to relish it.
“Even if I left tomorrow, I’d look back like, ‘Wow this was amazing’. Why not live it? Every day is the best job in the world, keep reminding yourself of that.”
As a player, Craig never got the chance to play at a major international tournament so he’s an extra incentive in trying to get Wales to qualify for this summer’s World Cup.
He said: “You always have that buzz of chasing something, like I want qualification, I want to be at major tournaments.
“But how do we do it? I’ve got loads of flaws, but the team needs to play with intensity, play with balls.
“As long as you have belief, that’s the motivation. That’s why you do so much work, why you look at opposition.
“As a footballer for Wales, I didn’t really feel belief, I just felt hope. Italy [when Wales won 2-1 in 2002 in a European Championship qualifier] was different because we took the game to them. We were brilliant but there weren’t many nights like that.”
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