Welsh Ace Rob Page Gains Unwavering Support Before Pivotal Euro 2024 Qualifier Against Croatia

Wales manager Rob Page has vowed to disregard the speculation surrounding his position despite rumors of potential jeopardy. However, to truly retain any hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2024, nothing short of a victory against Croatia on Sunday will be realistically sufficient.

On Saturday morning, reports emerged, just over 24 hours before Wales' crucial match against Croatia in Cardiff, suggesting that Noel Mooney, the chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, had expressed interest in appointing Roy Keane, a former Sunderland and Ipswich manager and TV pundit, as a potential replacement for Page following the team's defeats to Armenia and Turkey in June.

If Wales fail to qualify for Euro 2024 automatically, Page's four-year contract, signed in September 2022, will be up for review next month, as confirmed by Mooney this week. Currently ranked fourth in Group D, Wales must win their last three matches against Croatia, Armenia, and Turkey in order to have a realistic chance of securing a top-two position and avoiding the play-offs in March.

We News reporter Geraint Hughes reports from Cardiff ahead of Wales' crucial qualifier on Sunday...

Page's powerful message heard loud and clear

Wales must defeat Croatia, which is already a daunting task. However, the atmosphere has been completely altered due to the underlying storyline about Mooney's desire to replace Page with Keane during the summer. This has created a sense of internal discord and a hint of a siege mentality within the Wales camp.

During my interview with Mooney in late September, I explicitly inquired about Page's complete support during the summer period when Wales encountered defeat in two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey. Mooney responded affirmatively, stating, 'Yes, he has my backing.'

The veracity of Saturday's report may forever remain unknown, but it has certainly caused discontent within the Wales camp. The strength of Wales lies in their unity and cohesion, bolstered by their collective talent and the influence of Gareth Bale. This is what has propelled them to qualify for three out of the past four major football tournaments.

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Kieffer Moore netted two goals for Wales in a match against Gibraltar. Should the rumors of Mooney's desire to replace Page with Keane prove accurate, it has elicited an immediate and unequivocal reaction from Page's support staff and players.

Page's coaches and captain, Tottenham's Ben Davies, have unequivocally shown their support, proclaiming, "We're all behind you, gaffer." Davies eloquently discusses Page's commendable qualities and emphasizes the strong bond within the squad, speaking as a representative for all Wales players. It is a united front - one for all and all for one.

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The victory against Gibraltar served as a morale boost for the team.

Page's visibly emotional state during the pre-match press conference prior to the Croatia game has garnered support from both his players and coaches, which holds significant influence.

It is not uncommon for relationships between managers and chief executives to be tense. If you were to witness a conversation between them, it would be quite an intriguing experience, akin to watching a ringside seat.

Now, in the immediate future, as the team prepares to face Croatia, one might wonder how this situation will impact the football match. With the rapid support and unity from players and coaches towards Page, it is possible that a siege mentality emerges, and motivation to perform exceptionally reaches an unexpected level. It will certainly be captivating to observe.

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Page fielded youngsters in the Wrexham friendly

Another angle to this subplot is how the supporters inside the Cardiff City Stadium react to Page and to the players.

Page bullish on Wales future: I can't comment on speculation

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Wales is currently in fourth place in Group D and must secure a victory against Croatia. During the pre-match press conference for the Croatia game, Page addressed the rumors regarding his future and emphasized the importance of disregarding the distractions. He stated, "We must dismiss all the surrounding noise and focus solely on the task at hand. Our priority is to safeguard the players to the best of our ability."

I have had no communication with the chief executive, so I am unable to confirm the veracity of the rumors regarding his replacement.

However, my primary focus remains on the fact that I signed a four-year contract before the World Cup. As part of a long-term strategy, my goal is to gradually incorporate young players into the team.

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Page has made a commitment to disregard the distractions.

"We are currently going through a period of transition, and we have reiterated this multiple times. We have experienced significant departures of key players such as Joe Allen and Gareth Bale. Their absence not only affects our on-field performance, but also the positive influence they bring to the team dynamics."

"We have witnessed the emergence of our exceptional talent, and we are actively nurturing these young players, acknowledging that it will require patience.

"I understand the frustration and our collective desire to achieve victory in football matches, but it is crucial to maintain a broader perspective. I am prioritizing the best interests of the FAW over personal gain. Introducing these young players will ultimately benefit Wales in the long run."

Three of Page's coaching staff members, namely Alan Knill, Ian Mitchell, and Tony Roberts, made a surprising display of unity by attending the press conference held at the back of the room. Page, clearly emotional, expressed his gratitude, stating, "This gesture from the staff is truly heartwarming and unexpected, but I am sincerely appreciative."

"We are extremely united and all team members are working diligently towards our goals. I truly desire for both our supporters and you, the media, to witness the remarkable spirit that fills our changing room. It is truly extraordinary. The committed staff here holds great significance.

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Ben Davies has come out in support of Page

In our industry, the desire to win football games is ubiquitous. While I acknowledge the frustration, our focus lies on a larger objective: the strategic implementation of younger players for our team's future.

The commercial aspects, such as cost-cutting, are not my concern. As a football coach, my job is to ensure that the players are in optimal physical and mental condition to emerge victorious in each game.

Mooney told BBC Wales on Wednesday that a "serious review" would take place on Page's position after the Armenia and Turkey games next month when "everything will be settled".

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Wales chief executive Noel Mooney

Davies expressed his disapproval of Mooney's comments, stating that they were unhelpful. He emphasized the need for unity within the organization, hoping that everyone is aligned.

While he found the remarks disappointing, Davies asserted that his team's main focus is the upcoming game against Croatia.

When asked directly about Page, Davies expressed his strong support for the manager. He highlighted the professionalism within the team and the enthusiasm to participate in training camps.

Davies emphasized the significance of having a manager who consistently supports and motivates the team, which in turn fosters loyalty. He concluded by affirming that Page deserves the team's unwavering support at this time.

"We attribute our long-standing success to our unity as a close-knit team, and I believe that our ability to stick together has played a significant role in this regard."

"Despite having been sidelined for a month due to a hamstring injury, Welsh defender Chris Mepham is a potential candidate to commence the match against Croatia."