Euro 2016: Wales Boss Chris Coleman Says Fans Can Get Carried Away

Wales manager Chris Coleman has urged fans to get “carried away” but says he and his players will not do so until they have qualified for Euro 2016.

Having beaten Cyprus 1-0 on Thursday, Wales can seal qualification with victory against Israel on Sunday.

Coleman believes ending Wales’ 58-year absence from a major tournament would be just reward for the supporters.

“For the Welsh supporters waiting for us to get back home, get excited,” Coleman said.

“My message to them is to get carried away. Enjoy this – they’ve waited a long time.

“But we can’t get carried away. I can’t, the players can’t, my staff can’t and we won’t.”

Coleman added that regardless of whether he and the players are tired physically or mentally, they now have to focus on preparing for Sunday’s “huge” game.

“We’ve got to live up to the expectation. We’ve done that so far and let’s hope we do it again,” the 45-year-old added.

‘This is our own path’
Wales are now three points clear at the top of Group B with three matches left, and on the brink of a first appearance at a major finals since the 1958 World Cup.

After Israel visit Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, Coleman’s side face a double header against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Andorra in October.

Victory against Israel will be enough to secure their passage to Euro 2016, but Coleman insists his players dare not contemplate the tournament in France yet.

“We can’t hide from the facts. Looking at the way the group is we’re one win away from a guaranteed place in France 2016, we know that,” he said.

“But the players, I promise you, never ever mention it. They know it’s there, they know what everyone will be talking about back home.

“They saw the incredible 4,000 following we had tonight [Thursday], but we must never ever take our eye off the goal.”

Can Wales cope with the pressure this time?
BBC SPORTS