Losing run a burden Wales 'don't want to carry'

Rhian Wilkinson took charge of Wales in February 2024

Friendly: South Korea v Wales

Venue: Ciudad Deportiva Fundacion, Malaga Date: Friday, 28 November Kick-off: 18:00 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Radio Wales Extra, AM, online and Cymru Fyw

Rhian Wilkinson says Wales' losing run is a burden the team "don't want to carry" and believes her side have sought to push standards to a new level in 2025.

The 43-year-old led Wales' women to a first major tournament this year, though her team suffered humbling defeats by the Netherlands, France and England at Euro 2025.

Wales head into their friendly double-header with South Korea and Switzerland in Spain having lost seven matches in succession - their worst losing run since being beaten in each of their first 12 games as an official Football Association of Wales (FAW) side between September 1993 and March 1996.

"We're not happy with it [the losing run]. We're aware, it's frustrating and it feels like a burden we don't want to carry," said Wilkinson.

"We want to break that streak, of course we do. But equally, this year has included the Euros, Nations League A and top opposition and it's because this team is really on a journey.

"It's never a straight journey, it's always about pushing standards, and we have had little setbacks."

Having been beaten by Australia and Poland in October, Wales are now winless in 11 matches since beating Republic of Ireland 1-0 on 3 December last year - a result that clinched a place at the Euros.

It is the team's longest run without a victory in 22 years, and while determined to see Wales claim a first triumph since that memorable night in Dublin almost exactly a year ago, Wilkinson feels 2025 has been a year her side can use for the better in 2026.

"I made a lot of changes for the Poland game - that's always a risk you take when you're a coach, but it's a standard that I have now and my expectation of them [the players] and their expectation of themselves," added Wilkinson.

"That is what this year has been about - it's about really moving the needle for this team.

"When I say about not chasing the wins, yes, it's frustrating, but equally I wouldn't have changed this journey for much. Every step has been really important and I know is going to set us up even better for 2026."

Wales take on South Korea for the first time on Friday, 28 November in Malaga before facing Switzerland in Jerez on Tuesday, 2 December.