Mark Hughes tips Ryan Giggs to become Wales manager
Table of Contents
Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs should consider taking his first step into management with Wales, according to Fulham manager Mark Hughes, who did just that.
The Old Trafford favourite is one of the names being linked with the vacant job after John Toshack's departure on Thursday following Wales' losing start to the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Hughes kicked off his managerial career with Wales in 1999 and almost steered them into Euro 2004 before his success attracted the attention of Blackburn Rovers.
Giggs has previously stated he would be keen to coach his country in the future and Hughes believes there are few better ways for the 36-year-old to move into management.
Hughes told the press: "I was still playing in the Premier League when I got the Wales job. I initially thought I could play and manage, but quickly found out that was impossible.
"The way I coped with it was by separating both roles. At the club I was very much a player, but had a different attitude when I was with the international squad.
"Maybe if Ryan got the job he'd do it in a different way and it will be interesting to see if he's interested in it.
"He has to decide if it's right for him, but I'd recommend it to him. If he rang I'd say take it.
"If he does go for it, he needs to surround himself with good staff who will protect and help him.
"For me it was the best thing I ever did - it enabled me to become the manager I am now because it's a huge learning curve.
"It exposes you initially and you can think 'what the hell happened there?', but then you have the window to sit back and review how to do things better.
"As a learning experience for a young manager it's fantastic. Everyone says international football is for older managers, but I think it's fantastic opportunity for a young manager."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
The Old Trafford favourite is one of the names being linked with the vacant job after John Toshack's departure on Thursday following Wales' losing start to the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Hughes kicked off his managerial career with Wales in 1999 and almost steered them into Euro 2004 before his success attracted the attention of Blackburn Rovers.
Giggs has previously stated he would be keen to coach his country in the future and Hughes believes there are few better ways for the 36-year-old to move into management.
Hughes told the press: "I was still playing in the Premier League when I got the Wales job. I initially thought I could play and manage, but quickly found out that was impossible.
"The way I coped with it was by separating both roles. At the club I was very much a player, but had a different attitude when I was with the international squad.
"Maybe if Ryan got the job he'd do it in a different way and it will be interesting to see if he's interested in it.
"He has to decide if it's right for him, but I'd recommend it to him. If he rang I'd say take it.
"If he does go for it, he needs to surround himself with good staff who will protect and help him.
"For me it was the best thing I ever did - it enabled me to become the manager I am now because it's a huge learning curve.
"It exposes you initially and you can think 'what the hell happened there?', but then you have the window to sit back and review how to do things better.
"As a learning experience for a young manager it's fantastic. Everyone says international football is for older managers, but I think it's fantastic opportunity for a young manager."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
