In times of trouble, change is not necessarily for the better. In the case of wales, and Chris Coleman, change would seem to be the worst possible option at present.
Wales need Coleman. Friday night's 2-0 defeat to France highlighted the gulf in class between the Welsh and their opponents, among the favourites to take the world cup in Russia next year. Although the French goals in Stade de France came courtesy of a goalkeeping error and a deflection, in reality the hosts were utterly dominant and the scoreline flattered Wales.
Both sides were missing key players, significantly Gareth Bale for Wales, but the gap in class was obvious.
Following the heartbreaking loss to Ireland last month that cost Wales a place in Russia, Welsh confidence is fragile and the team is in a precarious state. The early signs coming from the Welsh camp are that Coleman will stay, and his comments to the media before the France game were equally positive.
"I enjoy it - the feeling is still very, very good and positive," the 47-year-old said, "I don’t look at these two games and think it’s the end of anything."
This will have gone done like a cup of Camomile tea to Wales' supporters. Coleman is revered by the nation's fans and adored by his players. Captain Ashley Williams outlined the esteem in which Coleman is held when he spoke to the media this week;
"The majority of our success is down to him and, from the players’ point of view, we would like to work with him forever."
The defeat to France was one-sided, as the hosts showcased attacking riches Wales can only dream of, but did also highlight something pertinent regarding Coleman.
Although the match was only a friendly, and although they fell behind inside 20 minutes, Wales were nothing if not spirited. Despite the gap in ability, Wales did not crumble, they did not collapse, they did not cave in and allow themselves to be hammered by a vastly superior side.
They fought. They fought hard. They kept fighting until the very end.
This will be Coleman's biggest draw as national manager. He has instilled a belief in his players, a sense that they can compete with the very best. There is a sense of genuine enjoyment within this squad, a feeling that they relish playing against countries with bigger names and reputations than their own. They are also a hugely disciplined outfit defensively.
There is also positivity for the future. In the likes of Ben Woodburn, Ethan Ampadu, Tom Lawrence and David Brooks, Wales have some talented young players beginning to break into the side. Ampadu and Brooks made their debuts on Friday night, while Woodburn and Lawrence both featured - and scored - in 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Coleman is the perfect man to bring these young players in to the side and blend them in with the established stars.
The former Fulham manager has never hidden his dream of managing in the Champions League, but at 47 he still has time on his side. One more major tournament push, for Euro 2020, will secure his legacy as Wales' greatest ever manager and set him up all the more for the big club jobs he so craves.
Wales need Chris Coleman and, for now, he still needs them.
