Speaking as he named his 28-man squad for Nations League A games with Portugal, Denmark and Norway, it was the first time Bellamy has faced questions over the summer speculation over his future.
Having spent a successful period at Turf Moor as Vincent Kompany’s assistant, Bellamy suggested his respect for his former club prompted him to hold conversations over the vacancy.
Still, the uncertainty prompted a number of former players to suggest he would have to win over fans.
Some supporters also voiced disappointment at the events that came just weeks after he had insisted he “was not going anywhere”.
“I know how it could be seen, but I’ve only one person I have anything to prove to, and that’s me,” said Bellamy, who missed out on the chance on leading Wales to the 2026 World Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina in March’s play-offs.
“I’m comfortable with the decision I’ve made. I’ve always been committed in everything I do and that hasn’t changed.
“Now, winning people over? I don’t know, that’s the honest truth.”
After a highly impressive start to his time with Wales after replacing Rob Page in 2024, including an unbeaten promotion to the top flight of the Nations League, there has been criticism over the failure to reach the World Cup in the most recent campaign.
Bellamy stressed the importance of results and said the “volatility” of the managerial world meant he couldn’t offer guarantees of whether he would see out his contract.
But asked whether he still aimed of being in charge of Wales at Euro 2028 with the prospect of games in Cardiff, Bellamy said: “Oh, I’d love to – but that’s two years from now. Nothing’s guaranteed. I’m no different, I’m not more special than anyone else (in management).”
Leave a Reply