Late Gigg just fine with us
JAMES’ ALL-NIGHTER
RYAN GIGGS let his Wales players stay up until all hours on their trip to China.
But James Chester reckons that will give them a big advantage when they return to club football this weekend.
Wales finished China Cup runners-up after thrashing the hosts 6-0 but losing to Uruguay 1-0 in the final in Nanning.
With those games at night and Nanning eight hours ahead of the UK, boss Giggs (above) tried to limit the jetlag.
Aston Villa defender Chester believes that will help the players adjust after their return home yesterday.
Normal
“It’s been a bit strange, staying up till half-three or four in the morning and having your breakfast at one,” he said.
“But it was for that reason, to make sure when we get home, it’s not as difficult to get back to normal life because some of us have some massive games coming up.
“It was a very, very long time ago when I last stayed up that late and it certainly won’t be a regular thing.
“It has been strange, but it will make it a lot easier getting back.” Wales flew to ® Hong Kong after the final and arrived home yesterday.
Villa face Hull on Saturday, but many of his team-mates are on Championship duty on Friday, including Reading defender Chris Gunter, now Wales’ mostcapped outfield player.
Gunter said: “I’ve been really impressed with Ryan. I think a balance of keeping certain things the same has been very good and every player will be very excited and satisfied with how it has gone.
“Once the summer comes and goes it will be a real busy time and we are very excited.
“There are many positives and we have a much better idea now of how we move forward. We’ve got a clearer idea of what the manager wants.
“To have time away in different surroundings has been testing at times.
“But everybody has dealt with it well and there is a real excitement for the good times ahead.
“Ryan is not used to losing in his career, but he was happy with certain things we did.
“We can improve, we know that, but we’ve gained a lot of information.”