Giggs admits to more nerves in charge of Wales than as a player
New coach prepares for debut match in China Williams happy to take a break from Everton duty
Ryan Giggs said he would be more nervous for his first match as manager of Wales today than at any point of his illustrious playing career.
The former Manchester United winger also spoke of the huge challenge he faced organising his team as he prepared to make his debut as an international manager against China.
Giggs, 44, won 13 Premier League titles and two European Cups during a remarkable playing career at Old Trafford. Yet he said he would be “much more nervous” when he enters the dugout in the southern Chinese city of Nanning.
“As a player, you want a little bit of nerves but, generally speaking, I never really got nervous. Coaching and management is completely different,” he said.
“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, that are constantly going through your mind.
“Have you forgotten anything? What could be improved? And just preparing the team as best you can together with your staff also. Afterwards, then it is just evaluating, seeing what you could have done better and seeing what we did well.
“There are lots of things going around in my head, it is completely different from being a player.”
Wales take on China in the first match of the four-nation China Cup tournament, which also includes Uruguay and the Czech Republic. Gareth Bale should feature in the game.
Giggs took over from Chris Coleman in January after Wales failed to make the World Cup.
It is his first long-term job in management following spells at Manchester United, both as interim manager and assistant to Louis van Gaal.
He also spoke of the emotions he was feeling as he prepared to lead out Wales for his first permanent managerial posting.
“First and foremost, I am proud,” said Giggs. “Proud to be the Welsh manager, proud to be coaching this group of players. Excited as well. So, a lot of things are going through my head at the moment.”
Wales captain Ashley Williams said he had enjoyed linking up with his team-mates, which allowed him to take a break from a disappointing domestic season.
The defender has been criticised for his form at Everton this season, and was described as “unprofes- sional” by club manager Sam Allardyce after he was sent off against Burnley on March 3.
Williams said his season had “not been great”, but remained philosophical on overcoming his poor run of form.
“It’s not the first time it has happened in my career where you have a bit of the season you don’t enjoy so much and things don’t go well,” he said.
“But it’s a new start here with Wales, I have enjoyed the last few days meeting back up with the guys – kind of switching off from club football and switching on to international football.”
After playing China, Wales will then face either Uruguay or the Czech Republic on Monday.
China
Wales Kick-off