Robert Page Defends Team Selection Despite Shambolic Euro 2024 Defeat to Armenia
Wales boss Robert Page is under building pressure following a woeful run of just one win in 11 matches. The pressure is mounting after the embarrassing 4-2 loss to Armenia in the Euro 2024 qualifying match on Friday night. Page defended his team selection despite the shambolic defeat. He picked an attacking line-up including Kieffer Moore, Brennan Johnson, Dan James, and Harry Wilson which was exposed by the Armenians. Fuming Dragons fans questioned the tactical approach by the hosts as skipper Aaron Ramsey and midfield partner Ethan Ampadu were overrun.
The same issues of failing to be compact and show defensive responsibility were apparent during Wales’ World Cup flop in Qatar against USA, Iran, and England. And the holes have only got bigger without the retired Joe Allen. But when asked after the 4-2 home humiliation if Page would pick the same all-out attacking team if he had his time again, he said: “Yes, I would. When you are playing a home game which is on paper a winnable game then you want to go for it.”
Page’s In-Game Management Criticized
The Welsh support has also been alarmed at Page’s in-game management amid criticism that the Dragons chief takes too long to make substitutions. Page did concede he should have ‘maybe made some changes sooner’ when he added: “The rule of thumb is you don’t make changes when you are defending a corner or throw-in into your box. You can’t throw somebody into the deep end like that. You wait until there is a break in play but unfortunately they got the third goal by then.”
Wales’ Hopes of Third Successive Euros Finals Appearance in Balance
Wales’ hopes of a third successive Euros finals appearance are in the balance after dropping to third spot in Group D behind new leaders Turkey and Croatia. And Page knows he needs an instant reaction – and three points to ease the pressure on him – to keep their dream alive of reaching Germany next year when they face the Turks in Monday’s qualifier. SunSport understands Football Association of Wales chiefs are not planning any talks on Page’s future before the Samsun showdown. But Page and Wales’ task in Turkey has been made harder with striker Moore suspended following his red card for kicking out on Armenia goalkeeper Ognjen Chancharevich.
David Brooks Speaks of His Pride After Ending Two-Year Wales Absence Following Cancer Battle
Meanwhile, David Brooks spoke of his pride after ending a two-year Wales absence following his cancer battle. The Bournemouth winger, 25, was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021 but came on as a 70th minute substitute for Brennan Johnson against Armenia. Brooks, whose last Dragons cap came at the Euro 2020 finals two summers ago, received a standing ovation from a sell-out 32,000 crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Brooks said: “I’m immensely proud. I had family in the crowd and some back home. It’s been a long two years and to finally put the Wales shirt on again was special. Thank you to all the fans, especially the reception when I came on. I could hear every single one of them.”
With Moore suspended for tomorrow’s trip to Turkey, Brooks could play a bigger role. Brooks added: “If we win that, we go back into a position of power. We all know what we want to achieve. We want to get to the major tournaments, and these are the games we have to do it in. We have two days to get over it and get back to work. People will be starting to doubt us, but we have got to go and try and put in a performance to prove all those people wrong.”
Conclusion
Robert Page is under pressure following Wales’ woeful run of just one win in 11 matches. The embarrassing 4-2 loss to Armenia in the Euro 2024 qualifying match on Friday night has added to the mounting pressure. Page defended his team selection despite the shambolic defeat. The Welsh support has also been alarmed at Page’s in-game management amid criticism that the Dragons chief takes too long to make substitutions. Wales’ hopes of a third successive Euros finals appearance are in the balance after dropping to third spot in Group D behind new leaders Turkey and Croatia. David Brooks spoke of his pride after ending a two-year Wales absence following his cancer battle. With Moore suspended for tomorrow’s trip to Turkey, Brooks could play a bigger role.