A player calls the FAW chief’s words “unhelpful” during the manager’s dramatic press conference

The coaching staff of Wales manager Rob Page was present during the press conference on Saturday.

Rob Page, the manager of Wales, has vowed to “ignore the noise” despite rumors that his position may be in danger. Fewer than 24 hours before Wales’ crucial Euro 2024 qualifying match against Croatia in Cardiff, it was revealed on Saturday morning that Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney wanted Roy Keane, a former Sunderland and Ipswich manager and TV pundit, to replace Page after the team’s defeats to Armenia and Turkey in June.

Wales are currently fourth in Group D and need to win their final three matches against Croatia, Armenia, and Turkey to realistically secure a top-two spot and avoid the play-offs in March. Mooney confirmed this week that the manager’s position would be reviewed next month if Wales did not automatically qualify for Euro 2024.

At the pre-game press conference before the Croatia game, Page addressed the rumors about his future, saying, “We’ve got to disregard all the nonsense. We do our best to safeguard the players since it is just noise. I haven’t had any conversations with the CEO, so I’m unable to confirm or deny whether he will be replaced. I only have to concentrate on the fact that I signed a four-year contract before the World Cup, and my long-term goal is to start integrating young players into the team. This article contains that story.

We have repeatedly stated that we are in a transitional moment. Major players like Joe Allen and Gareth Bale have left the team. Not just for the contributions they make on the field, but also for the value they provide to the locker room. We’ve seen the talent we have emerging. These young guys are still being developed, and it will take time.

“I understand your frustration. We want to win football games, but we also need to keep things in perspective. I’m acting in the FAW’s best interests, not my own. It is better for Wales’ future to introduce these young talents.

Alan Knill, Ian Mitchell, and Tony Roberts, three members of Page’s coaching team, made the unprecedented decision to attend the news conference in the rear of the room as a sign of solidarity. Page, who was clearly overcome with emotion, remarked, “It’s a great gesture from the staff, not something I was ready for but I really appreciate it.” “Everyone is pushing in the right direction, and we are extremely close. I would like for the fans and you [the media] to be able to see what we have in that changing room. It’s amazing. The staff here is really important.

“Everyone in our industry is motivated by winning football games. Although I share your dissatisfaction, the wider picture is that we have a plan to bring in younger players in the future. I can’t stress about the business aspect, cost-cutting, or anything else like that. As a football coach, it’s my responsibility to put them in the best possible physical and mental condition so they can win football games.

Wales captain Ben Davies criticized Mooney’s remarks, saying: “It’s not helpful. We don’t want noise coming from within the organization. We hope that everyone is on the same page. It is disappointing to hear, but as far as we are concerned it’s not our focus. Our focus is the game against Croa.” Mooney said on Wednesday that a “serious review” would be conducted on Page’s position after the Armenia and Turkey games next month, when “everything will be settled.”

Davies said when asked explicitly about Page: “We’re fully supportive of the manager. Everybody wants to attend camp and every day is professional. Loyalty is bred when a manager is always there for you, supporting you, and he now deserves our backing. We’re a close-knit bunch, and I believe that sticking together has contributed to some of our success over the years.

Despite missing a month due to a hamstring injury, Wales defender Chris Mepham could start against Croatia.