The Football Association of Wales has announced the termination of head coach Rob Page’s contract in the wake of the national team’s failure to secure qualification for Euro 2024. This decision marks the conclusion of Page’s tenure after spending four years in charge, during which he was initially appointed on an interim basis in November 2020 before being handed the role permanently in September 2022, following Wales’ successful qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup.
Despite the significant milestone of guiding Wales to their first World Cup since 1958, Page’s tenure has been punctuated by a mixed record, having registered only five victories in the 22 matches played since taking over on a permanent basis. This period encompassed Wales’ participation in Euro 2020, where Page led the team to the round of 16 in the delayed tournament, and the subsequent 2022 World Cup.
The recent Euro 2024 play-off final defeat to Poland on penalties, followed by a disappointing 4-0 loss to Slovakia in a friendly match after a draw with Gibraltar, intensified the growing dissatisfaction with Page’s management. The Wales fans’ reaction during the team’s defeat in Slovakia underscored the mounting pressure on Page, as did the subsequent draw with Gibraltar, a result that amplified calls for change due to the perceived underperformance against a team ranked 203rd in the world.
Amidst vocal criticism on social media and increasing dissent from the stands, Page reiterated his commitment to a “long-term plan,” emphasizing the development of young players in preparation for the upcoming Nations League campaign and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, the palpable shift in his demeanor following the heavy defeat to Slovakia, acknowledging his low spirits, painted a stark picture of the challenging circumstances surrounding his management.
In acknowledging Page’s contributions, FA Wales chief football officer Dave Adams expressed gratitude for Page’s dedication, recognizing his involvement with the national team from the U21 level to the senior level. “I would like to thank Rob for his work with the Association over the last seven years, firstly as the U21s head coach and then onto the role of Cymru head coach,” Adams said in a statement.
“Rob’s work has delivered success reaching the round of 16 at Euro 2020 and qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and during his period we also integrated 18 pathway players into the senior squad. As we move forward this experience will support our objective to consistently qualify our men’s national team to major tournaments.”
As the footballing landscape for Wales enters a new chapter, the announcement of a new head coach will undoubtedly capture the attention of fans and pundits alike, as the search for Page’s successor begins.
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