Wales Sack Manager Rob Page After Euro 2024 Qualification Failure.
Wales have dismissed manager Rob Page after three and a half years in charge. The 49-year-old, who led Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years and guided them to the second round of Euro 2020, has been let go following the team’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024.
Page’s tenure ended after dismal friendly performances against Gibraltar and Slovakia this month, which proved to be the final straw for the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The FAW held extensive discussions for over a week before deciding that a change in management was necessary.
Following an underwhelming performance at the 2022 World Cup, Page faced severe criticism after a shocking home defeat by Armenia during the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Despite a notable victory over Croatia, Wales’ hopes of reaching a third successive European Championship were dashed when they lost on penalties to Poland in the play-off final in March.
Although the FAW initially backed Page after the play-off defeat, stating he would lead the team into the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the decision was reversed within three months.
Dave Adams, the FAW’s chief football officer, expressed gratitude for Page’s contributions: “I would like to thank Rob for his work with the association over the last seven years, firstly as the under-21s head coach and then onto the role of Cymru [Wales] head coach.”
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney added: “On behalf of myself and the entire FAW, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rob for his commitment and dedication to his roles for the national teams. Under Rob Page’s leadership, our Cymru men’s team has achieved significant milestones and victories which have created many incredible memories for our nation, most notably our first World Cup in 64 years.”
Wales’ recent international window was a major factor in Page’s dismissal. A youthful side drew with Gibraltar, followed by a stronger team suffering a 4-0 defeat to Slovakia. Despite missing several key players, Page faced boos and heavy criticism from fans after both matches. Reflecting on the backlash, Page said, “They [Wales’ fans] want me out. I completely understand. I’ve got to stay true to myself and focused on the job in hand. Everything else is out of my control.”
Page, who became Wales boss in November 2020, initially took over from Ryan Giggs temporarily before being appointed permanently. He earned praise for securing Wales’ promotion to the top tier of the Nations League and guiding them through the Euro 2020 group stages, though they were later defeated 4-0 by Denmark in the second round.
Wales’ memorable win over Ukraine in a play-off secured their spot in the World Cup, but their early exit from the tournament in Qatar, after taking only one point from three group matches, added to the scrutiny. Page was handed a new contract running until 2026 before the World Cup but has now departed ahead of the Nations League’s return in September.
In total, Page managed Wales for 45 matches, winning 15, drawing 15, and losing 15, including the penalty shootout against Poland.
Wales’ next match is the Nations League opener against Turkey on 6 September, followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later. World Cup qualifying for European nations begins in spring 2025.
