It was the greatest month in Welsh football history and will live long in the memory of all that witnessed it, but for then-Wales manager Chris Coleman it was anything but enjoyable.
As Wales stormed to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 – the country’s first major tournament in 58 years – Coleman was busy battling expectations and the intense pressure an international tournament brings.
Asked by UCFB how much he enjoyed the experience, Coleman said: “Looking back, it was absolutely fantastic – it was the time of my life – but when I was actually in it, it was a constant headache!”
He added: “Every last detail in training, a video meeting, a conversation with a player, the opposition, sending the right message in the media. It’s 24/7 and you’re in a bubble and you’ve no idea what‘s going on outside that bubble.”
Despite losing to England in the group stages, Wales topped their group before overcoming Northern Ireland and then tournament favourites Belgium to reach the last four. There, Wales came up just short against eventual winners Portugal who were inspired by their talismanic leader, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Describing the intensity of the occasion, Coleman, who’s previously managed the likes of Fulham and Sunderland, added: ”I spoke to my wife and children every day, but you’re in that bubble, you’re in that challenge – what’s the next game and this is what we’ve got to do. And you attack it with everything you’ve got because there’s no room for anything else. Even though we were winning and it was incredible, we didn’t really have any idea what affect it was having on people at home, we were just in that moment.”
Wales’ run to the last four galvanised a nation more accustomed to international success in rugby union. Their almost improbable run earned them national hero status and the most incredible welcome back in Cardiff following the Portugal defeat.
Coleman said: “I remember getting off the plane at Cardiff. Something like 200,000 people had come to pay tribute to us – it was an amazing scene.”
