Intensity is key, says Bellamy

Wales Head Coach Craig Bellamy and skipper Ben Davies delivered a frank and revealing media conference ahead of a huge for Wales against Belgium as Wales seek qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Ben Davies, the Spurs defender who will lead the side out at the Cardiff City Stadium against familiar foes Ben Davies, opened the proceedings in a bilingual Q&A session at the impressive media suite developed by the FAW.

Wales had been outclassed by England in a painful 3-0 defeat at Wembley when, frankly, the score could have been far worse. Davies had clearly not enjoyed the experience, though he recognised the value of playing such formidable opponents.

Had Wales enjoyed a comfortable outing against lesser opposition, then Davies felt that Wales could have entered the Belgium a clash a little “undercooked.” But the result had been something of a wake-up call, the Spurs defender revealed. He described a “quiet journey back to Cardiff.”

But, if a week is a long time in politics, then 90 minutes can define an entire career in the life of an international footballer. For, the very day after Wales had capitulated at the hands of the Three Lions, a dream result emerged from elsewhere in their World Cup qualifying campaign as Belgium could manage only a scoreless draw against North Macedonia. Whilst this welcome stalemate may not have completely exorcised the ghosts of Wembley, the world of Davies and his teammates suddenly looked a whole lot different.

Victory over Belgium in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Cardiff would provide an enormous boost to their hopes of reaching the World Cup next year. Their fate was in their own hands.

But this would not be easy. The Belgians were full of talent. Davies described the great Kevin De Bruyne as “an incredibly difficult player to play against.” It would be quite a night.

Beyond all that of course, the Belgian clash would also mark a personal milestone for the former Swansea City man. He would join a select band who could point to 100 international appearances for Wales. Despite his quiet demeanour, there was no mistaking the pride this brough to him as he looked forward to this significant achievement. Davies told the media representatives how he would have ben proud to earn just a single cap as a youngster, never mind 100.

Bellamy himself faced the media after the skipper had retreated.

As usual, the colourful Kairdiff Kid, held nothing back in fielding questions in, what many agreed, was a frank and revealing insight.

Sure, the Wembley defeat had hurt he said. He expressed his admiration for England as a top team with excellent “habits.” In order to compete against the likes of England and Belgium, Wales needed to be the best version of themselves. They had to be connected between the lines, or men like De Bruyne could destroy you.

The Belgium clash was huge, of course it was, but Wales needed to embrace and enjoy it. Wales had to take care of what they could take care of. Trigger; Press; Work Together. These were the key points on his To Do list against Belgium. Intensity was key.

As Bellamy revealed his intense knowledge of the game, he was full of praise for Belgium’s Jérémy Doku who could “lose you in a phone booth.” Bellamy held the intention of his media interrogators as he described just how the game is played. A high number of tackles wasn’t necessarily a good thing, he explained. The best defensive experts didn’t need to tackle. The likes of Bobby Moore – and Ben Davies – relied on their knowledge and tactical awareness to quell the opposition by simply occupying the right space. How a team played when not in possession, was also crucial.

With seemingly no eye on the clock Bellamy, who prefers the title Head Coach to Manager by the way, reminded us of his knowledge of the game in Belgium, entering into a lively exchange with a Belgian journalist about the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents.

By any standards, this was a remarkable display by two of the leading figures in Welsh international football. No subject seemed off the radar, as both acknowledged the magnitude of the forthcoming game. Life would go on, whether Wales won, lost or drew, advised Bellamy. But yes, this is why you take up such challenges after all.

A nation awaits, with bated breath.

DAVID COLLINS

WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT

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