Craig Bellamy has described the past few months as "really difficult" after Wales ended a six-game winless run with a comeback 2-1 victory over Norway at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday evening. The result, secured against a side ranked higher than Wales in the world, was the finest of Bellamy's reign as head coach — but the former Wales striker used his post-match press conference to address something that had evidently been weighing on him far longer than the result itself.

Speaking at length after the final whistle, Bellamy said he had "felt the stick" ever since Wales's World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March, a loss that set in motion the winless sequence. "The summer wasn't easy, then these games weren't easy," he told reporters. "But I've seen it; I've drawn on experience because I've seen managers before me get it."

Bellamy, who was appointed Wales head coach in July 2024, also faced scrutiny from supporters after holding talks over a potential move to Burnley in June. That episode clearly left a mark. "I've seen the abuse the previous manager got just before me, and I have to be honest, it's been a really difficult couple of months," he said.

A Personal Cost

What gave Bellamy's words particular weight was the admission that the negativity had stretched beyond him personally. "It's not me but I have kids and a wife; it's for them — they see it," he said. For a man who freely acknowledged having experienced similar treatment during his playing days, there was no sense of self-pity in the remarks. Instead, he seemed to be appealing for a measure of collective restraint.

"I think there's ways we can speak to people, and just because it's the game we love, it doesn't give us the right to think we can say whatever we want to," Bellamy added. "We're such a small country — why can't we have each other's backs? Why don't we look after each other more?" He was careful to note he was not placing himself above criticism, but felt the speed and severity of the reaction had been disproportionate.

A Win That Matters

Thursday's victory was historic in its own right. It was Wales's first success in the top tier of the Nations League across nine attempts, and it arrived in the manner that supporters and coaching staff alike would have scripted: coming from behind, with character in spades. The result lifts the mood ahead of a meeting with Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 19:45 BST.

Bellamy was at pains not to let his personal frustrations overshadow what he described as a result for the whole nation. "I'm really happy with it, but I'm happy for the country, you understand?" he said. "I give everything for my country. Everything. I turned down big money to keep doing this. I love doing this."

Whether Wales can build on Thursday's performance against a Denmark side who will arrive in Cardiff with their own ambitions remains to be seen. But for now, the mood on the touchline and among the support has shifted — and Bellamy, plainly, was ready for exactly that kind of change.

FAQs

Frequently asked

When is Wales vs Denmark in the Nations League?
Wales face Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 19:45 BST. The match is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two Wales.
Why has Craig Bellamy faced criticism as Wales manager?
Bellamy came under pressure following a six-game winless run that began with Wales's World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March. He also attracted criticism after holding talks about a potential move to Burnley during the summer.
What was the result of Wales vs Norway in the Nations League?
Wales beat Norway 2-1 at Cardiff City Stadium, coming from behind to claim their first victory in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League after nine games in that division.