Arabic version: بيلامي يكشف عن فترة صعبة بعد الفوز على النرويج

According to BBC News, Wales head coach Craig Bellamy said he has endured a “really difficult” spell because of criticism directed at him during the team’s winless run. Bellamy’s side came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday, a result he described as the finest of his reign.

The victory ended a six-game winless sequence which began with defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off semi-final in March. It was Wales’ first Nations League A win in their ninth match in the competition’s top tier, and their first victory over a nation ranked higher in the world since Bellamy took charge.

Bellamy, a former Wales striker appointed national boss in July 2024, said he had “felt the stick” since the Bosnia loss. He said the summer and subsequent games had not been easy, adding that he had seen managers before him receive abuse. Bellamy also faced criticism from some supporters after holding talks over a potential move to Burnley in June.

After the Norway match, Bellamy said negativity aimed at him had affected his family and urged people to be kinder in how they speak to others. While saying nobody was above criticism, he said people were too quick to judge. He said he did not want to spoil the positive mood following the morale-boosting win, adding that he gives everything for his country and turned down big money to continue in the role.