Wales boss Page to ‘ignore the noise’ with job under scrutiny

Press Association

Rob Page is under pressure as Wales manager

Wales manager Rob Page has promised to “ignore the noise” amid reports that his job could be in jeopardy.

Page signed a four-year deal in September 2022, but Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney confirmed this week that the manager’s position would be reviewed next month if they did not qualify for Euro 2024 automatically.

Wales are currently fourth in Group D and need to win their final three games against Croatia, Armenia and Turkey to realistically secure a top-two place and avoid the play-offs in March.

Page said: "We’ve got to ignore all the noise. It is noise and that's it, so we try to protect the players as much as we can.

"I have not spoken to the chief executive at all, so I could not tell you whether it is true or not.

"All I have to focus on is, before the World Cup I signed a four-year deal and the long-term plan for me is to start introducing young players into the group.

"We are in a transition period and we have said this time and time again. We have lost big players like Joe Allen and Gareth Bale. Not just for what they bring us on the pitch, but also the value they add in the changing room.

“We've seen the talent we've got coming through. We're developing these young players and it's going to take time.

"I get the frustration. We want to win games of football but there's got to be a bit of perspective. I'm doing what’s best for the FAW, not myself. By introducing these young players, it is better for Wales in the future."

Rob Page came out fighting ahead of Wales' game against Croatia

Three members of Page's coaching staff – Alan Knill, Ian Mitchell and Tony Roberts – took the unusual step of attending the press conference at the back of the room in an apparent show of unity.

The boss said: "It's a great gesture from the staff, not something I was ready for but I really appreciate it.

"We are really close and everyone is pushing in the right direction. I wish the supporters and you guys (the media) could see what we've got in that changing room. It's incredible."