EXCLUSIVE: Former watfordfc captain Robert Page discusses managing Wales at the WorldCup2022 finals
When Wales qualified for their first World Cup Finals since 1958 earlier this year, the feeling of euphoria at just heading to Qatar and being part of the global showpiece was tangible in the principality.
“But now we’re here and the tournament is nearer, you start to look at the group and think ‘hang on a minute, all these games are potentially winnable’. After retiring, Page was a coach at Port Vale before becoming manager in 2014, and he also went on to manage Northampton Town before becoming Wales Under-21 manager in 2017.
Page continued as interim manager during the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, and shortly after they beat Ukraine in the European play-off final to claim their place in Qatar, he was given the job permanently and signed a four-year contract in September. “It’s horrible telling players they aren’t going to the World Cup, it really is the worst feeling in the world. You know they’re not going to take it well, particularly as Wales have waited so many years to get a World Cup finals.
“The anticipation is huge. I had grown men coming up to me saying they can’t wait for the World Cup to start. “So, you do then start to wonder if that’s going to be their last chance to play at a major tournament. “We live in Sheffield but I’m a very passionate Welshman, and my kids understand the importance of respecting the Welsh culture,” said the Llwynpia-born gaffer.
“What would be nice is if both countries can get the job done and be qualified before we play each other. That’s not being disrespectful to the USA or Iran, they are there for a good reason. You could throw a blanket over the four nations with regards to world rankings.“We play England last, and we could go into that game with both teams on six points, three points, who knows.
At 33, the former Tottenham and Real Madrid forward is unlikely to get another crack at a World Cup, and his performances in Euros finals - as well as during Wales’ qualification for Qatar - mean he is understandably seen as the star player.“Naturally Gareth gets the headlines because of the important goals he’s scored to help us get across the line. The free-kick against Austria, the free-kick against Ukraine, they will naturally put him in the headlines.
“Morrell is playing League One football and every time he goes to a Championship club he can’t seem to get a game, but when he puts the Welsh jersey on, he’s exceptional. He never, ever lets us down. “I just dreamt of being a player. I didn’t know about management or coaching until I’d finished playing.
“You’re still a player when you captain the national team so the honour is that you’re leading your teammates out on the pitch. That is an incredible honour. But you’re still one of 11 players and you have a shared responsibility.
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