I MAY NEVER WIN OVER ALL THE WALES FANS
Giggs fears Welsh playing record will ALWAYS be held against him
RYAN GIGGS admits he may never win over some Wales fans as he faces his first competitive game as an international boss.
Giggs is preparing for Sunday’s opening Euro 2020 qualifier at home to Slovakia in Cardiff.
The Manchester United legend was appointed in January 2018 but has only taken charge of friendlies, winning three and losing five.
Giggs knows the serious business starts this week after a final friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in Wrexham tomorrow.
But Giggs says some fans may simply never accept him, questioning his international commitment after missing 30 out of a possible 40 friendlies for his country as a player.
Giggs admitted: “I am not going to please everyone. When I took over the job there was a lot of fans who didn’t agree with it and there probably still is.
“That is something I have to put up with.”
Wales go into qualifying for Euro 2020 with high expectations after predecessor Chris Coleman took them to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
But the squad failed to reach the 2018 World Cup which saw boss Coleman quit for Sunderland.
Now Giggs, appointed on a four-year deal, wants to ensure Wales start to qualify for tournaments regularly.
He said: “I put myself under pressure – that’s the only pressure I feel really.
“I think I will be judged on the qualifying games. I knew that going into the job.
“Getting Wales to a major championship, that’s how I will be judged. My job is now to qualify or at least compete. We didn’t qualify for the World Cup but we competed. In the past we nearly got somewhere and in the next campaign we were nowhere near.
“We want to be competing or getting close on a consistent basis. If we do that then we will get to more championships than not.”
Wales’ last performance was in November – a shock 1-0 defeat in Albania.
Giggs hit out after the loss when he accused his side of complacency.
He was particularly unhappy with the way Wales lost their shape when chasing the game.
Giggs reflected: “There were a lot of lessons to be learnt in the second half if we find ourselves in that position again.”
He has since held meetings in London and the Midlands with groups of his players. They analysed his first year in charge and discussed areas for improvement.
Giggs added:
“We had a debrief and got their thoughts on the last year and the best way to move forward and try to qualify.
“I tapped into their experience, I gave them my view and how I wanted to work. It was invaluable. I speak to a few of the players on the phone and message them now and again.
“It was only a couple of hours with both groups but it was really good to get the feedback and see the vision moving forward.
“It was more details about on and off the pitch and travel. Most of the things the players were happy with.
“They said some things were really good but others could be better.”