Craig Bellamy: Much more to come from ‘outstanding’ Wales
Bellamy had promised a boldly different playing style and a clear identity, and that was crystal clear against Turkey despite having only worked with his players since Monday.
Squad members had spoken glowingly before the game about their new head coach’s intense and meticulous methods, both on the training pitch and during analysis sessions.
The players carried out Bellamy’s instructions impressively, pressing Turkey energetically off the ball and demonstrating a new attacking ambition in possession, fluidly swapping positions and pouring forward at every opportunity.
“I’m beyond [pleased]. You never know. As much as I planned for all scenarios, the worst scenarios, you name it, this game has probably taught me over the years of playing and coaching to be prepared for whatever happens on the pitch,” Bellamy added.
“I had a lot of time to look at Turkey, identify where I thought there were strengths and weaknesses then feed that information to the players. There’s a bit of fine tuning we need to do.
“They’re a top team with a top coach, they adapted. Maybe we could have adapted a little quicker when they changed, but that’s understandable. It was great.”
Meanwhile, striker Kieffer Moore will have a head injury assessed before Wales face Montenegro.
Moore came on as a second-half substitute against Turkey and sustained a cut to his head after Caglar Soyuncu accidentally caught him with his studs.
“He was having stitches. Quick turnaround Monday, there will be changes,” said Bellamy.
“We will adapt. A game against Turkey is different to Montenegro so we will tweak a bit how we approach that game, because you approach every game differently.”
