As Wales gears up for a crucial showdown in their last Group D qualifier, manager Rob Page emphasized on Monday that his players should remain focused and disregard talk of a potential Euro 2024 play-off. The Welsh side faces a pivotal match against Turkey on Tuesday, where victory is imperative, and their hopes for automatic qualification hinge on Croatia's performance against Armenia.
"We're having no talk of play-offs. If we're talking play-offs, we may as well call the game off on Tuesday. That's our mentality and attitude," Page told reporters.
In an effort to secure a coveted top-two finish, Page's squad is under pressure to clinch a victory against Turkey, while simultaneously relying on Croatia not defeating Armenia. This combination of results would propel Wales directly into next year's Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
Page, cognizant of the external chatter surrounding potential play-offs, urged his players to channel their energy into the task at hand and not be distracted by hypothetical scenarios. The significance of the upcoming match against Turkey and the dependency on the Croatia-Armenia fixture underscores the high stakes and complex dynamics of international football qualification.
Wales' journey towards Euro 2024 has been marked by moments of resilience and determination, and as the decisive match approaches, the team is poised to seize the opportunity for automatic qualification. The manager's call for a focused mindset reflects the gravity of the situation and the importance of maintaining composure in the face of external speculations.
With the footballing world watching, Wales aims to navigate the challenging terrain of Group D and secure their spot in Euro 2024, providing fans with the prospect of an exciting and competitive campaign in Germany.