Coleman torn over Wales future

Chris Coleman's Wales take on Belgium in their final 2014 World Cup qualifier
14 October 2013

Chris Coleman is still torn over whether he wants to continue as Wales manager but believes expectation levels during his tenure have been too high.

Tuesday's Group A meeting against Belgium could be the last fixture of Coleman's reign - although Wales do have a friendly with Finland next month - if he and the Football Association of Wales do not agree to extend their working relationship.

Talks over the 43-year-old's two-year contract extension have stalled, and he has openly suggested what he sees as short-termism from the FAW may see him turn down the chance to remain in charge of the Dragons if it is offered.

Coleman has regularly stated his belief that the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ashley Williams need to be regularly available for Wales to have a genuine shot at reaching a first major finals since 1958.

But he also hinted the presence of players of that ilk means there is an unrealistic level of expectation whenever Wales head into a qualification campaign.

He said: "We talk about qualification. When was the last time a side seeded sixth qualified? We were seeded sixth this time and the expectation was that we should qualify.

"Others who were maybe involved before me said this group were going to be this, that and the other.

"But if you look at the teams we have been up against, I don't think there is a tougher group.

"There no excuses, we have had too many defeats. Finishing fourth in the group would not be a success because it's all about qualifying.

"When I say I want to look at how I can affect things going forward, do I want to deal with unrealistic expectations?

"But I can see the reasons why I want to lead the team. I can see why anyone would want to.

"We have some very good players, and we have a chance to qualify if we can just have them all fit. But does it ever happen?

"Having had two years experience of it, I also look at that side of it and, if we are without too many players again, how can anyone do anything about it?"

But Coleman would be happy if the person who replaces him whenever he ultimately leaves his role, were to take Wales to a major finals.

"Belgium have shown this is a challenge that can be achieved," he said. "I genuinely believe we can, but I keep repeating we can only do that with certain players available more than they have been.

"We have good enough players, but they are never all available.

"If someone comes in after me and I can't do it or don't achieve qualification, I'd be happy if someone else did because I'm a proud Welshman and I want Wales to do something special.

"I'm torn, I don't want to think if we have the same scenario and have too many players missing and have unrealistic expectations, do I want that again?

"But if we have got everybody for longer, I'd love to be that man."

Injury-hit Wales face a stern task against group winners Belgium as the Red Devils prepare to celebrate their qualification for Brazil in front of a sell-out crowd at King Baudouin Stadium.

But Coleman has vowed his side will do their utmost to spoil the party.

"You look at Belgium's squad and it is the most expensive squad in Europe," he said.

"Look at what players they have got, they can leave two or three out and the players they replace them with are very strong, experienced and talented.

"They have won the group at a canter and they have not done it for nothing.

"They are a top team, it doesn't matter what team they put out, it is one heck of a test, it is good for us. We are looking forward to it and relishing it. It's a good test."

Coleman is expected to stick with the majority of the side that beat Macedonia on Friday, although striker Sam Vokes will be fit enough to take a place on the bench.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in