Craig Bellamy wants his Wales players to feel the love as he tries to extend his unbeaten start as their manager by beating Montenegro on Monday.
Wales have drawn two and won one under Bellamy and will be looking to repeat the best display of his tenure so far — the 0-0 draw with Turkey last month — when they play in front of their own fans again at the Cardiff City Stadium.
There has been lots to like about Wales in the Bellamy era so far, as well as one or two wrinkles.
The second-half display in Reykjavik on Friday, when Wales threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Iceland, was a little alarming.
But it is worth remembering that before their former skipper replaced Robert Page in the hot seat, Wales had drawn 0-0 in Gibraltar and lost 4-0 in Slovakia.
Craig Bellamy is determined that Wales will continue their positive start in the Nations League
The Dragons are unbeaten in three games since Bellamy replaced Rob Page as manager in July
In addition to results on the pitch, the former Liverpool star wants his players to enjoy playing for their country
As well as promotion to the top tier of the Nations League, Bellamy’s target is the World Cup qualifiers, which start in the spring.
He wants to deliver positive results, but also ensure that international football is a pleasure to his players, not a chore.
‘I want you to love this,’ said Bellamy. ‘I want you to come away thinking, “I can’t wait to play again”. I don’t want you to feel like I did as a player at times. I remember playing against Ireland at Croke Park (in March 2007). I cried. I touched the ball three times. Nobody came to speak to me to say, “Sorry for leaving you on your own up there”.
‘I never want anyone to feel that way playing for Wales. We should all give everyone a fair chance to show their true talent. When fans get excited, I will never try to stop that. Be excited. Be over the top. You have that right and you should feel that way.
‘We are so quick to play things down. We know where we are at and it’s not what I tell you it is! I want people to feel impressed. We should enjoy this.
‘Over a number of years, this country has given us reason to be optimistic. It’s been incredible for us. We want to keep that going.’
Bellamy revealed his own experiences of international football have coloured his approach to management
Wales will be without Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson due to suspension and midfielders Jordan James, Ethan Ampadu and Aaron Ramsey are also missing.
Joe Allen came out of international retirement to join Bellamy’s squad for this double-header, but his manager admitted it would be a risk to start the 34-year-old, who has been limited to just six substitute appearances for Swansea this season.
Bellamy added: ‘Of course it’s a gamble if you throw him in from the start because of his minutes and football this year. Hopefully he kicks the ball for me tomorrow.
‘Even if he doesn’t, he’s had an incredible week for us and been really positive.’
