Coleman’s Finals envy
‘I’D LOVE A SHOT AT WORLD CUP’
CHRIS COLEMAN admits to being envious of Robert Page leading Wales into their first World Cup finals since 1958.
But Coleman, who led his country to the proudest moment in their history – reaching the Euro 2016 semifinals – will never return as manager.
Currently in charge of Athens-based Greek side Atromitos, the 52-year-old is still an avid follower of the Dragons who complete their Nations League campaign against Poland today.
“Wales international football is as good as it’s ever been right now,” he said. “Of course, there is a bit of me which wishes it was me taking them to the World Cup finals.
“I look at Robert Page, who I really love, and yes there is part of me which wishes I was in his place. It was the same when Ryan Giggs qualified for the last European Championships. But that is as far it goes. “Something,which isn’t on the menu is being manager of Wales again,” he insisted.
“I hold that experience (Euro 2016) very close to my heart. The memories are so precious that I wouldn’t do anything to maybe muddy those waters. It was a very special time for me and it will stay as it is, nice and safe and it can’t be changed.”
The hairs on the back of his neck still tingle whenever he watches Jonny Owen’s film of the road to the European Championships semi-finals, Don’t Take Me Home.
He admitted: “I’ve watched it three or four times. You sometimes get lucky in life. You arrive with a group of people and everything just falls into place. Other times it’s so difficult and it’s never going to happen and you know that.
“But then you can have moments when you are surrounded by people who come together at the right time and that’s what happened with Wales and everything you see on Don’t Take Me Home is all real.”
Under Page, Coleman reckons Gareth Bale and his team-mates have a realistic chance of qualifying from a group in Qatar, which also contains England, USA and Iran.
“It will depend on what players are fit,” he added. “We are going to need the experienced players because they have been there before. It’s also how quickly the young players can get settled in a tournament environment because it’s a completely different situation.
“We need things to go our way, but I think we have a good chance of escaping from the group.”
It appears his managerial wanderlust is as strong as ever, with Atromitos his fourth overseas assignment after Real Sociedad, Hebei China Fortune and another Greek side AEL.
“I got the call from Atromitos just after Christmas,” he explained.
“They were having a tough time. I think they were second from bottom. I’m glad I took the challenge on. It’s a great club. A lot of emotion and passion with great history.
“When you get the opportunity to experience something different, you should grasp it. Everybody wants to work in the Premier League. Maybe I was spoilt because Fulham was my first job.
“Not that I’m saying I never want to work in the Premier League again.”