IT was like Chris Coleman was chatting down the pub with his mates – not the eve of arguably the most momentous sporting occasion in Wales’ history.
He was so laid back yesterday, you half expected him to put his feet up on the podium in the Stade de Lyon. The Wales boss spoke eloquently, honestly and with plenty of wit about tonight’s semi-final clash against Portugal.
A win and Wales are in the final of Euro 2016 on Sunday – a sentence so incredible you almost have to do a double-take.
But in a tournament where England’s Three Lions were as fearsome as pussycats, Coleman, 46, is on the verge of being crowned the Lyon King tonight.
Yet despite the enormity of the occasion, Coleman was as cool as they come, cracking jokes and laughing off the pressure.
A Belgium journalist told him his country’s players had been impressed by his tactics and asked if he fancied replacing Marc Wilmots?
“I have to say, the Belgian players are obviously very wise,” said Coleman.
An Italian reporter then chipped in with a question about whether Wales’ defensive plan had been inspired by the Azzurri?
Quick-as-a-flash, Coleman replied: “Damn it, we’ve been found out.”
Coleman’s stock has never been higher.
