Lonely job as manager... Jones couldn’t help me’
Giggs tells Bale to reject United and stay at Real
means Giggs has the full respect of his new squad. But, perhaps surprisingly, there is a sprinkling of Wales fans he still has to convince, some of whom questioned his appointment based on his unwillingness to turn up for friendlies as a player.
Still, an early trophy would certainly help his case. A woeful Chinese side were not exactly the toughest of first opponents but Uruguay, who Wales will face in Monday’s China Cup final, will clearly be a much stiffer test.
And while Giggs knows his team must improve to beat Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Co, with Real Madrid star Bale among them Wales have every chance.
There is a bigger picture for Giggs, however, and that is to succeed where predecessor Chris Coleman failed – and lead Wales to their first World Cup since 1958 by guiding them to Qatar in 2022.
“It was a great night against China for Wales – staff, players and me individually,” says Giggs with a smile.
“I don’t want to get carried away but it was a brilliant start to score six goals and six fantastic goals as well. To beat a team managed by Marcello Lippi gives you fantastic confidence. Just like a player, though, you don’t get carried away and you carry on improving.
“But reaching the next World Cup with Wales would be an unbelievable achievement. We have not done it for more than 60 years.
“The World Cup is obviously the pinnacle and to get there would be fantastic for a team like Wales. You want to see the best players like Gareth, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen play at those tournaments.” GARETH BALE has been told to turn down a big-money move to Manchester United and remain at Real Madrid.
Bale has emerged as a serious summer transfer target for Jose Mourinho, while Chelsea and Tottenham are also interested in the 28-yearold Wales forward.
But Bale’s international manager and former United legend Ryan Giggs believes he will be best served by staying in Spain and rejecting overtures from the Premier League.
New Wales boss Giggs insists Bale has the ability to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable scoring feats with Madrid.
“It’s Real Madrid – there are only a handful of clubs who have got that aura,” said Giggs. “Of course you would want to stay there.
“What’s Gareth won, three Champions League titles? The proof is in that. When you are at clubs like Real, you are always going to win things.
“Gareth has the ability to score every type of goal and there are similarities with Cristiano. They started out as wingers and they are now goalscorers.”
Bale left Tottenham in what was then a world-record £90 million switch to Real in 2013.
He scored a hat-trick in Wales’ 6-0 China Cup thrashing of the hosts on Thursday and his third goal moved him past Ian Rush as his country’s record goalscorer with 29.
“Gareth is a special talent. You try and give him the freedom to damage teams,” said Giggs. “It’s about getting Gareth on the ball as much as you can and giving him that expression and freedom. He’s not just a devastating player, he is intelligent too.”