Wales coach Craig Bellamy says criticism during winless run was a difficult period

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has spoken about the difficulty of facing criticism during his side's winless run, following a victory over Norway, according to the BBC.

Bellamy said he had been through what he described as a really difficult spell because of criticism directed at him during Wales's run without a win. The comments came after the team secured a victory against Norway, a result that appeared to offer some relief following the pressure he had faced.

Managerial scrutiny is a common feature of international football, particularly during winless streaks, when criticism of tactics, team selection and overall performance tends to intensify from media and supporters alike. Bellamy, a former Wales international player himself before moving into coaching, has taken on the national team role amid high expectations given his playing pedigree.

The win over Norway represents a notable result for Wales, though the broader context of their recent run and where this result leaves them in ongoing competition standings was not fully detailed in available reporting. Bellamy's comments suggest the pressure of the preceding period weighed on him personally, even as the team has now returned to winning form.

Further matches will test whether the victory marks a turning point for Wales under Bellamy's management or whether the pressure he described will resurface should results falter again.