Wales manager Robert Page used Lewis Koumas as an example of a positive for his side after they were held to an embarrassing 0-0 draw by Gibraltar. The highly-rated Liverpool youngster won his first cap but it was not marked with a win as expected.
Already hurting after failing to qualify for this year’s European Championships, Wales’ inability to beat the 203rd-ranked team in the world marked a low point for Page’s regime. He was booed by some sections of the Welsh fans who traveled to Portugal and there were few positives to emerge.
However, Page made a point to single out Koumas after his lively cameo. He was introduced as a substitute for Liam Cullen in the 73rd minute and made an instant impact with a quick turn-and-shot forcing a save from the Gibraltar goalkeeper. Page also singled out Koumas’ work-rate off the ball – something he felt some teammates could have learned from.
“I think there’s a few that have done really well,” Page told S4C after the game. “Lewis has come on for 15, 20 minutes and given a good account of himself.
“He’s had a great shot on his left foot and his work rate without the ball….there’s a couple of others that might have to look at themselves with regards to work-rate off the ball.”
Page admitted he could understand the reaction from Wales’ fans. Asked about being booed, he said: “They are entitled to their opinion, absolutely. I get it, I completely get it.
“I’m a Welsh supporter as well as the manager, I’m disappointed. But I have to keep saying about the bigger picture and I’ll probably get criticised for that. It’s the bigger picture and we’re not going to lose focus on what we’ve done.”
