Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Wales manager Craig Bellamy on Monday Night Football (Image: Sky Sports )

Former Liverpool star Craig Bellamy didn’t hesitate to put Sky Sports host Dave Jones right after the Monday Night Football presenter implied he was at the helm of a "small football nation".

The current Wales national team manager appeared on Sky Sports, analysing Newcastle's resounding 3-0 triumph against Leicester City in the Premier League.

In discussing his time as the Wales boss – a position he took over in July following Rob Page’s departure – Bellamy outlined his experience since stepping into the managerial role.



Article continues below

With an undefeated record from eight matches, including four victories and four draws, Bellamy has started his tenure strongly and has already secured four points from the first two qualifying games for the World Cup in 2026.

READ MORE:'Ask Suarez, ask Torres' - Rio Ferdinand stuns host with Steven Gerrard claim as private DM sharedREAD MORE:Jurgen Klopp could block club's move for highly-rated manager after Liverpool exit

Jones received a swift correction from the Wales coach after posing Wales as a "smaller footballing nation”, reports Wales Online.

“No, no, I disagree," Bellamy firmly interjected immediately after Jones made the comment, which left the presenter slightly unsettled.

This prompted ex-Liverpool colleague and pundit Jamie Carragher to jest: "Start that again, Dave!"

After a brief moment, Jones amended his terminology with a smile, initially referring to Wales as "a big footballing nation" before settling on "a proud footballing nation".

He did, however, diminish their stature by stating they weren't "high achieving" and lacking an "incredible history".

Bellamy quickly pointed out the program's oversight, replying sharply: "Well, the semi-finals of Europe in 2016 I think gives us a little bit."

Jones pressed Bellamy for a third time, suggesting that his team is considered an underdog on the global football scene - a notion that Bellamy vehemently disagreed with once again.

"I've never looked at myself as an underdog and I never will do now and I won't allow the players to believe that, you know we're there on merit," Bellamy asserted.

Jones, slightly taken aback, made one final attempt to make his point: "But this is what I'm trying to get to, that you're, really the first thing you're having to do is try to change the culture.

"It's a culture that, look, we're proud, a lot of nations are proud," Bellamy countered.

"Football is a huge part of our culture as well.

I know we're definitely proud of the rugby but football is a huge game in our country."

Bellamy went on to describe the connection between the fans, players, and previous managers, highlighting their success as a collective force.

There's a real connection between the fans and the players and also with the players and the fans."

Bellamy also acknowledged the gap between the team's current and desired playing style: "And to be able to come into that...
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.