Ludlow calls for realistic expectations

WALES manager Jayne Ludlow has called for realism ahead of Wales’ opening Euro 2021 qualifiers, while outlining ways the set-up is still yet to develop.

Wales go into their opening Euro 2021 qualifier next week when they face the Faroe Islands, as they begin their bid to try and qualify for their first major tournament.

Having narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification after suffering defeat to eventual fourth-placed side England, the squad are enjoying their highest profile and public backing to date, and are hoping to carry the momentum from their last campaign into the next campaign.

And while national manager Ludlow is looking forward to a new challenge, the ex-Arsenal player has called for realism and outlined how her staff can only spend around 25% of their time on their senior’s women’s duties.

As well as the senior team, Ludlow oversees all Wales’ women’s age-group teams.

Speaking at a press conference following the launch of the FAW’s new campaign for women’s and girls’ football in Wales, Ludlow said: “It would be really nice for us as an entity right now to think we can make a success of this campaign but I sit here in all honesty and go we’re building for the future.

“It might not be what people want to hear, but we are still building.

“If you look at everything that’s now in place in Wales, and will be in place in the future, future qualification campaigns will hopefully be, not easier - that’s the wrong word - but campaigns in which our national team manager will be selecting a fully professional squad. The reality is we don’t do that.”

Asked if she was ready for the scrutiny that comes with the BBC showing every qualifying game live, Ludlow responded: “If I’m honest, the role I have is so big, I don’t have time to dwell on it.”