Ryan Giggs confesses his biggest battle as Wales’ new boss… beating his nerves
Man Utd legend says he never got butterflies as a player but his heart will be pounding on his bow as an international manager
RYAN GIGGS admits the biggest battle he faces as new Wales boss is getting over his own nerves.
The Manchester United legend — cool and calm on the pitch — said he did not get any butterflies as a player during a glittering career in which he won a staggering 34 trophies at Old Trafford.
But he conceded his feelings will change when he takes his spot in the dugout for the first time as national boss when Wales take on China in the China Cup today.
Giggs said: “I will be much more nervous, I never really got nervous as a player. As a player you want a little bit of nerves but generally speaking I never really got nervous.
“Coaching and management is completely different. As a player you are quite selfish and you are just making sure you are doing your job in the team.
“As a manager and a coach there are so many things to think about.
“Have you forgotten anything? What could be improved and just preparing the team as best you can together with your staff also.
“Afterwards it is just evaluating, seeing what you could have done better and seeing what we did well.”
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As expected, Gareth Bale mania is in full swing here in Nanning.
Camera crews and autograph hunters have been out in full force for the Real Madrid superstar since he arrived in the Far East.
But Dragons chief Giggs knows Bale can handle the pressure of being treated like a god.
Even the tournament organisers have worshipped Wales, who face Marcello Lippi’s hosts in today’s opener, as the visitors will secure a £100,000 windfall just for Bale’s appearance alone as part of a £1million competition match fee.
And Giggs, on the eve of his first game in charge of his country, appeared to be happy that all the attention was on Bale.
He said: “Huge teams like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich — the players are used to the adulation they get, especially in this part of the world, because footballers are treated like gods.
“But Gareth’s used to that. He would have been out here in the Far East plenty of times with Real Madrid. It’s the same when David Beckham came into the Manchester United team. He took the limelight away from me.”
One of Giggs’ first major managerial decisions is whether he starts Bale or not at the 60,000-capacity Guangxi Sports Center.
Bale took three flights during his epic 7,500-mile trip from Madrid to the south of China and instantly did a recovery training session with his Welsh team-mates.
Giggs claimed he will not take any risks over the Real forward’s fitness but he admitted he is fully aware of the commercial and financial pressures on Wales.
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He added: “Yes, of course. Gareth obviously gives everyone a massive lift. But I’m not stupid because it’s an important part of the season. Any risks, stupid risks I won’t be taking.
“I’ve not spoken to his club boss Zinedine Zidane but I’ve spoken to Gareth regularly over the last few months.
“The relationship is important with all the clubs. But it’s also my first game and I want to get my best team out there.
“It’s a real juggling act with the travelling, the time of the season and a second game.
“We have thought carefully about each player that has arrived at different times for the best things to do for them, whether it’s been walks, recovery in the pool, getting out on the training pitch.”
WALES (likely): Hennessey; Gunter, Chester, Williams (capt), Davies; Allen, King; Wilson, Bale, Woodburn; Vokes.