Wales manager Chris Coleman. Getty Images
Wales manager Chris Coleman. Getty Images
Wales manager Chris Coleman. Getty Images
Wales manager Chris Coleman. Getty Images

I am only thinking about Serbia, not Crystal Palace, says Wales manager Chris Coleman


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Wales manager Chris Coleman is not interested in becoming the new manager of former club Crystal Palace and is rather preoccupied with the June 11 World Cup qualifier against Serbia, the 46-year-old has said.

Premier League side Palace are without a manager after Sam Allardyce stepped down on Tuesday and Coleman, who made 154 appearances for Palace from 1991-95, had been linked with the vacant position, according to media reports.

Coleman, who has a year left on his contract with the Football Association of Wales, said he was only thinking about the match against Serbia.

“I’m happy to talk about the Palace. I’d love to go back to the Palace but I’m not sure Prince Charles is ready for me just yet,” Coleman quipped after announcing his squad for the game.

“I had a good time at the Palace but I’m only thinking about Serbia. That’s all I’m thinking about, that’s all I care about. All I care about now is Wales.

“I don’t think about after Serbia... “

Wales are third in Group D, four points adrift of second-placed Republic of Ireland and first-placed Serbia, who are level on 11 points.

Gareth Bale will miss the Serbia match through suspension but Coleman was confident that his side would get a result without the forward.

“We went to Belgium once [in 2013] with no Gareth Bale, no Ashley Williams, no Joe Allen - and we got a result. On the night, Aaron Ramsey was incredible, he ran the show,” Coleman said.

“People are prepared to step up, I’m quite confident of that. Ideally you want your best players on the pitch but I’ve had a lot of time to plan.

“I’ve total belief in my players. Are they capable of doing what they need to do? Absolutely. There’s no worries.”

* Reuters

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When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

INDIA SQUADS

India squad for third Test against Sri Lanka
Virat Kohli (capt), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Vijay Shankar

India squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka
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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
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