Craig Bellamy accepts scrutiny as Wales seek turnaround vs Norway
September 30, 2026 18:10
WHAT HAPPENED
Wales lost 1-0 in Portugal and 2-0 in Denmark, leaving them with three successive defeats and a six-game winless run since beating North Macedonia in World Cup qualifying last November. Bellamy, appointed Wales boss on a four-year deal in June 2024, began his reign with a nine-game unbeaten run and promotion from Nations League B. Wales finished second behind Belgium in World Cup qualifying but were beaten in the play-off semi-final by Bosnia-Herzegovina.
BELLAMY'S RESPONSE
Asked whether it would be unfair to suggest Wales are under pressure, Bellamy said: "No, I don't see it [as] unfair. I see it [as being] as it should be. You don't win and you lose a few games in a row, you should be asked questions." He added he expected difficult moments after a strong start: "I knew what I was coming into and I said when I was nine, 10 games unbeaten, there will be moments [like this] - it's inevitable." On learning from tougher periods he pointed to his time assisting Vincent Kompany at Burnley: "You never truly get beaten and I'm sorry, it's a cliche saying it, but it's what you learn... how can you improve?" He also said: "Now in the moments, you'll see a bit more of me because I think you all thought I'd go crazy but no, I want us as a team to improve and I want to improve as a coach."
INJURIES
Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks, who started the 1-0 loss in Portugal, missed the 2-0 defeat in Denmark and will be absent again against Norway. Wales are also without goalkeeper Karl Darlow, centre-backs Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor, and forward Harry Wilson.
OPPOSITION
Norway have played twice in the Nations League so far, winning 3-2 at home against Denmark and losing 2-1 at home to Portugal. Their first match since the World Cup followed a run in which they beat Brazil in the last 16 and then lost to England in the quarter-finals. Norway have fitness concerns over Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, and Bellamy noted Wales can expect to face Erling Haaland, who has scored 65 goals in 57 internationals. Bellamy dismissed the suggestion Haaland may be affected by Manchester City's recent breach findings.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Wales will complete the international window by hosting Norway at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday and then face Denmark on Sunday.