COLEMAN FIRE STILL BURNING
CHRIS COLEMAN admits he is still being racked by the agony of missing out on the World Cup.
But the Wales boss knows he and his players must take the first steps in their recovery tonight or face “embarrassment”.
A devastating 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff in their final qualifier last month ended hopes of at least a play-off spot for Russia.
So while Michael O’Neill and Martin O’Neill have another crack at making it, Coleman has two friendlies.
He had expected to take Wales to the World Cup finals before stepping down after having led them to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
His contract is up at the end of the month but Coleman, 47, in charge since 2012, is reluctant to bow out on a low.
He said: “For 10 days I didn’t really leave my house or stray far. I watch every game we play to analyse it but I can’t bring myself to watch that one. I really fancied us for at least the play-offs.
“That didn’t happen so to think about the disappointment, thinking I’m never going to get to the World Cup, some of our players probably won’t either because of their ages.
“It was really tough and it’s not really softened. Do I want that as my last memory of a campaign? I don’t think so.
“But that doesn’t mean that’s going to be the overriding factor for me staying on either.
“It’s only been a few weeks, it might be easier in a few months.
“I’m very envious of Michael and Martin. They’ve a chance to do something I’m never going to do now and that’s a bitter pill to swallow.”
Talks on a new contract will resume after the friendly against Panama on Tuesday in Cardiff.
As for tonight’s game with France, Coleman (left) is determined his men take it seriously.
“I hate that word ‘friendly’,” he said. “There is no friendly playing France in Paris. If you go into that thinking it’s a nice friendly we will get embarrassed.