Chris Coleman says 'golden generation' must dare to dream ahead of Ireland clash
Daily Mail
Ninety minutes in Cardiff on Monday night could decide whether Chris Coleman is looking for a new job or leading Wales to a first World Cup in 60 years but, having last night christened this the “golden generation”, there was no doubting the historic outcome that he anticipates.
“I fought against it when they were labelled the ‘golden bunch’ before we qualified for the Euros but now they've earned it - this is a golden era,” declared Coleman, ahead a showdown against the Republic of Ireland tonight that, for either team, could end with automatic qualification for Russia, a play-off or elimination from the World Cup.
Coleman was leading Wales to a European Championship semi-final against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal only 15 months ago but he further summer up the importance of this evening in a single sentence. “It’s as big as anything we've been involved in,” he said.
International football might be fighting national apathy across the border in England – perhaps in part because of the failings of another ‘golden generation’ – but has never been more enthusiastically followed in Wales. That will be vividly evident during the national anthems tonight when, in a rare change of protocol, the players have asked for ‘Land Of My Fathers’ to be cut short so that 30,000 proud Welshman inside the Cardiff City Stadium can loudly finish the job.
Managers usually try to contain such fervour for fear of it distracting their players but, having memorably implored the nation to think big throughout Euro 2016, Coleman issued another rousing rallying cry. “Dare to dream? I meant every word of that,” he said. “I say that because I’ve seen the other side. That’s why I don’t have any fear. We look forward to these games because I’ve been in positions where I didn't know if I’d still be in a job if I’d lost that next game. To be sat here now is an absolute joy.”
Coleman can certainly draw on a full range of experiences. From the unthinkable low of losing Gary Speed – his friend and predecessor – and then beginning his reign with five straight defeats, he has taken Wales further in international competition than any other manager.