Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has emphasised the importance of the recent training camp in Spain as he prepares his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium next month.
“It’s been good and it’s really important,” explained Bellamy to FAW.cymru from the team base. “For the players in the EFL, the international window in June is not designed for them. It could be a full month off and then to come into these internationals, it’s impossible. The players are fully-aware they need this period as well, that we need to get the work done to prepare them for two really important games.”
Cymru take on Liechtenstein at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday 6 June before heading to Brussels to face Belgium on Monday 9 June. Bellamy’s side are currently second in Group J with four points following a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan and a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia, when an equaliser from David Brooks deep into added time salvaged a point.
“Looking back I was delighted with the two games,” said Bellamy. “I would have liked the result to be better against North Macedonia. Just watching the game back and on reflection I believe we could took more from that, but how it worked out in the end of course then you’re grateful and happy with the point.
“It was good for us because we came across two back fives and we haven’t had that, so it was nice to be able to use different systems and expose us to that which gives us a very good library to keep digging into as well. It was really positive, but you’re always looking ahead, and we now get together again for two important games.”
Bellamy will be looking for another capacity crowd in Cardiff for the match against Liechtenstein and embraces the added pressure that comes from an expectant home support. “I love that,” he explained. “I believe the players need that too, not for motivation, but that expectation and to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
“I never want us to be comfortable. That’s why everyone’s here, we’ve got to go out and perform. Even the games I tried to pick in friendlies as well, I want pressure situations, I believe that’s how we improve. More crowd puts us under the spotlight a lot more, but allows us to become the nation that we believe we are. We’re a big football nation, and those moments give us the opportunity to show it.”
The training camp gave also gave Bellamy the opportunity to take a closer look at some of the players coming through the intermediate ranks, especially those from Chris Gunter’s U19 squad. “That’s been really nice because I’ve been really impressed by them to be honest,” he added. “It was good because I was able to pick the one’s I wanted for this camp and wanted to have a look over. I’ve been really impressed.
“What’s important is that we’re able to give them first hand experience of what we do and what it takes to play for us, the habits you need to have to be part of it. I’m not doubting their ability, but it’s the habits that make that ability come to the forefront and to play for us in our team and our structure. Hopefully it puts them in good stead for years to come playing for Wales.
“They (the senior players) fully understand that, but also with the young players they have a responsibility to look after the next generation coming through and they embrace that. They’ve been brilliant help with me on that. What are we leaving for the next person? Can it be better than what I had for the younger players coming through so we have a realistic chance of qualifying for major tournaments every two years.
“We shouldn’t have to thank them, you’re representing Wales. This is an honour, so I don’t believe we need to applaud them by coming in and for your effort. We’re here because we have one goal, and that’s to get to a major tournament. But we have to work, and the simple fact is they all understand that anything worth having has to be hard work, so this is just part of it.”
Craig Bellamy on Connor Roberts call-up
One newcomer to the training camp was goalkeeper Connor Roberts who announced his retirement after completing the domestic treble with The New Saints this season. Roberts, 32, was a key player for Craig Harrison’s side as they qualified for the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League, and is the first player from the domestic game to be called up for the senior Cymru squad since Barry Town’s Gary Lloyd in 1997.
“I read an article from him that he was retiring,” said Bellamy. “Honestly, I felt he spoke really well in the article. I’ve liked him from afar of course, and you could see his presence even watching TNS in Europe as well this year. I just felt like he deserves this opportunity and what a nice way to be able to give someone the opportunity of being involved with an international camp, even if it’s a training camp.
“He’s given a lot of service to Welsh football and made a positive impact as well. I actually feel quite proud for doing it, it makes me feel happy. Even speaking to him on the phone I knew it was the right thing to do. What a brilliant person as well and someone at a different pathway to a lot of the players. The messages he’s been able to give them, the words of advice as well has been really powerful. I couldn’t be any happier with him.”
Cymru v Liechtenstein
Friday 6 June
