Checkout Finish - Chris Coleman Beware the wounded
Wales manager Chris Coleman readily admits it has been his toughest year in football to date. However he believes that he and the Welsh nation are finally turning the corner
T
he honour of taking charge of your country has to rank as one of the proudest moments for any football manager. For
Chris Coleman, he wishes that particular honour was bestowed upon him in different circumstances. In November 2011 Gary Speed was found hanged in his home. Coleman, a close friend of the former Welsh manager, was appointed shortly afterwards. “It has been my toughest year in football without doubt for obvious reasons,” commented Coleman. “Coming into the job after Gary passing on has been tough and I have had a lot to deal with and not just on the football pitch. I have always wanted the job but I have to admit I wasn’t sure whether to take the role as I knew how hard it would be due to the emotional attachment involved with all parties. “It was difficult taking the job due to my
close relationship with Gary. I just hope I can do the job and Gary’s memory justice.” Coleman himself has had an unusual managerial journey. After a four-year spell learning his trade at Fulham, Coleman has managed Real Sociedad in Spain and Greek side Larissa in between a spell at Coventry. For Coleman, his spells abroad have been influential in crafting his managerial experience. “Things at Coventry didn’t go quite to plan and so I wanted to take a year out and revaluate my managerial style and what I wanted from football. After previously working in Spain I wasn’t opposed to working abroad again; the job opportunity came up
34 |
SGB-SPORTS.COM
with Larissa and I thought it would be good experience for me. “It was tough in Greece. We had no money;
I went out there by myself and had Greek staff. I did everything myself and it has improved my ability as a coach no end.” During 12 games in charge, Larissa only lost one game and were a point off top spot. His tenure ended briefly after financial difficulties between both parties ensured his departure. Since taking over at the helm of the Welsh
job, Coleman has experienced a tough start to his managerial campaign. Despite losing their first five out of six fixtures including a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Serbia, the Welsh boss is insistent the team are finally turning the corner and improvement is being shown. “The last couple of games against Scotland
and Croatia there have been signs that we are finally starting to get things right and I have been happier with how we have played. “Everyone has to realise how tough it has
been for the players. Often we don’t see players as human beings, rather as machines with no emotions. Gary was a very well liked and respected man and it takes time to come to terms with what was such a shock for everyone. “We have got to get on with the football now and they have been brilliant. Hopefully we can start churning out some victories now.” For any manager of a small country, there is a limit to what can possibly be achieved in the role. Questions will always be asked about whether being the manager of Wales is doomed to failure. During their history, Wales have never once qualified for a major tournament. Coleman however is insistent that Wales are capable breaking the hoodoo of
Dragon
Precision’s Dave Sanderson with Chris Coleman at STAG’
Coleman in brief
Date of birth: 10 June 1970
Place of birth: Swansea, Wales
Clubs played for: Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham
Clubs managed: Fulham, Real Sociedad, Coventry City, Larissa, Wales
Best player played with: Ryan Giggs
Best player played against: Alessandro Del Piero
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40