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Chris Coleman bemoans "unrealistic expectations"

Wales manager Chris Coleman believes that it was "unrealistic" to expect his side to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Wales manager Chris Coleman has claimed that it was unrealistic to expect his side to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Wales are currently fourth in Group A following their 1-0 win over Macedonia on Friday, although they are still in danger of finishing bottom of the group if results don't go their way tomorrow night.

Coleman's future as manager has come under increasing speculation recently, with a new contract offer being withdrawn by the FAW last month following back-to-back defeats against Macedonia and Serbia.

However, the Dragons boss is unsure whether he would be willing to stay as manager even if he were offered an extension, due to the unrealistic expectations of the team.

"We talk about qualification. When was the last time a side seeded sixth qualified? We were seeded sixth this time and the expectation was that we should qualify," Coleman told PA.

"Others who were maybe involved before me said this group were going to be this, that and the other, but if you look at the teams we have been up against, I don't think there is a tougher group. There no excuses, we have had too many defeats. Finishing fourth in the group would not be a success because it's all about qualifying.

"When I say I want to look at how I can affect things going forward, do I want to deal with unrealistic expectations? But I can see the reasons why I want to lead the team. I can see why anyone would want to."

Wales will face group winners Belgium in their final qualifying match tomorrow.

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Wales national team manager Chris Coleman looks on during the International Friendly match between Wales v Ireland at the Cardiff City Stadium on August 14, 2013
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