Craig Bellamy said his Wales side must be “better” after a 2-1 defeat by Romania in Bucharest, while Liverpool confirmed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on a two-year deal.
Florinel Coman and Adrian Rus scored either side of David Brooks’ 63rd-minute equaliser at Stadionul Steaua, handing Gheorghe Hagi his first victory since becoming Romania boss in April. Wales had 57% possession and nine shots on target, but Ethan Ampadu, Brennan Johnson and substitute Lewis Koumas missed chances, extending a run without a win in four matches in 2026.
“Wales lose 2-1 to Romania as Liverpool appoint Andoni Iraola as head coach on a two-year deal.”
“Disappointing,” Bellamy said. “There were some good bits, but there were some negatives as well. We need to be better.” Brooks told BBC Match of the Day Wales: “We need to be miles better in the Nations League.” The team’s last victory was a 7-1 thrashing of North Macedonia in November. They return to Nations League A action later this year against Portugal, Denmark and Norway.
While Bellamy’s side stumbled, Liverpool moved to rebuild after sacking Arne Slot on Saturday, a year after he guided the club to the Premier League title. Iraola, who left Bournemouth after finishing sixth – one place and three points behind Liverpool – said he was “really excited” by the challenge. Liverpool qualified for the Champions League despite 60 points, their lowest total since 2015-16 and 25 behind champions Arsenal.
“Liverpool gives me the chance to coach top players, and top players give you the chance to fight for titles,” Iraola said. He recalled Federico Chiesa’s late winner for Liverpool against his Bournemouth side last August: “The place erupted. I want now to feel this from the other side.” He is understood to be keen to add assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper to his staff. The decision to sack Slot was made by Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes.