How did it feel to be manager of United? LONELY
Giggs opens up on pressures of hot-seat
RYAN GIGGS admits his first taste of management at Manchester United was “lonely”.
The United legend is in China with Wales after taking charge of the national team in his first permanent full-time role.
He could not have wished for a better start after Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 demolition of the hosts at the China Cup on Thursday.
Giggs is now trying to make up for lost time in management having played until he was 40.
He first cut his teeth when David Moyes was sacked in April 2014 and he took charge of United’s last four League games of the season.
Giggs said: “I learnt a lot when I was manager for four games – how lonely it was.
“When you shut the door in the office and everyone has gone home, you are on your own. It can be a lonely place.
“I was always playing catch-up regarding being a coach because I played until I was 40.
“I did my licences, I did everything I could while I was playing. But until you actually get on the pitch every day, coaching and training, it is like anything – the more you do it, the more experienced you get.
“That was invaluable to me, it was a great thing I learnt under Louis (van Gaal).
“He didn’t know me, I met him once and he gave me the responsibility of analysing the opposition, doing training every day.
“It was great in regards of his delegation which I saw every day under Sir Alex Ferguson as well. But ultimately you are the boss and you make the decisions.”
After his caretaker stint at United, Giggs became assistant manager under successor Van Gaal for two seasons before leaving when Jose Mourinho took over. Now he is his own man, Giggs has the challenge of succeeding the popular Chris Coleman after Wales failed to qualify for the World Cup.
He has introduced a strict dress code and rigid timekeeping.
But there are areas he is still working on to become successful.
The Welshman added: “Just like as a player, you always want to improve.
“Where do I? I am not a naturally outgoing person.
“That’s where the pro licence and opposition analysis with the United players helps.”