RYAN GIGGS still had the joyful voices of his Wales dressing room ringing in his ears after they sang his name to mark Euro 2020 qualification.
But, within 24 hours, Welsh FA chief executive Jonathan Ford was adamant reaching next summer’s finals is only half the job for Giggs.
Giggs has to refocus after being told getting to the Euros is only half the jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The emotional night before saw Giggs, 45, serenaded by senior stars Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Wayne Hennessey as ‘Viva Ryan Giggs’ was belted out following Tuesday’s 2-0 triumphant decider over Hungary in Cardiff.
Giggs cut an emotional figure, with tears in his eyes, as he savoured his breakthrough moment in management.
Despite a glittering playing career, which included 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns, reaching a major finals with his country had eluded him.
Until now. No wonder the tears started to flow for rookie boss Giggs.
The Manchester United legend had struggled to get a shot at club management before the Welsh FA took a punt on him in January 2018.
That appointment attracted criticism among hardcore Wales fans amid claims he had been a part-time player for the Dragons.
He [Giggs] has had stick but he’s delivered.
Joe Allen
The main accusation was his poor attendance record in friendly matches, while his team selection and tactics during his 19-game tenure have also been questioned.
Yet midfielder Joe Allen says those critics will now be forced to eat their words after Wales reached back-to-back Euro finals — with Giggs achieving success at the first attempt.
The 56-cap ace Allen said: “Yes, he’s had stick but he has delivered, simple as that.
“The ambition and target was to get to the Euros. We’d have loved to have done it more comfortably and easily but beggars can’t be choosers. Anyway you get there is huge success.
“I think a lot of people are going to have to eat their words with some of the criticism that was thrown at us.
“He came in off the back of a great manager, in Chris Coleman, who had huge success. It was always going to be tough.
“But he has got us there. I think questions have been asked of everything really — selection, tactics but nine times out of ten he got it right.
“That is one of the big reasons we have made it.
“We didn’t want to be a flash in the pan — a one-hit wonder.”
That mentality is echoed by Ford, who believes qualifying for the Euros should be a stepping stone for Qatar 2022 tournament — a first World Cup appearance for Wales since 1958.
Ford said: “I’m not saying getting to the Euros is not great, it’s a fantastic achievement but I think Ryan is ambitious and, like we are, our eyes should be on 2022.
FAW boss Ford has told Giggs what he requires from himCredit: Rex Features
“That’s the pinnacle. Get us to a World Cup. I’m confident, at some point, we will get to a World Cup. That’s the one we’ve not been at since 1958.
“That’s the one we really need to get to. I hope and pray that 2020 is the springboard for 2022.”
Giggs signed a four-year deal without a break clause, when he replaced Coleman and his stock will only soar following the success inspired by Ramsey’s double.
Ford hailed Giggs’ impact with nine wins in 19 internationals but the Welsh chief remains calm over the future if club suitors start circling.
Ford added: “There is a realistic assumption of anyone in my position that at some point a national team manager, if they want to progress their coaching career, will need to go into club management.
“That is a natural progression. I know Ryan has ambitions and at some point clubs will come calling I’m sure. Tuesday has done him no harm. He has galvanised the team.”
Wales officially start their Euro 2020 planning with a staff meeting at their Cardiff HQ today, ahead of the draw on November 30 in Bucharest.
Ford hopes Giggs will now receive the acclaim of the Welsh public as the 2016 semi-finalists embark on another European tour next summer.
He said: “I’m sure Ryan’s stock will rise but hopefully not just for future employment opportunities but also for the Welsh public. He deserves that.
“The criticism of Ryan of old, of him not being loyal, is misplaced. Ryan has a large number of caps, 64.
“There are lots of players who people think are more loyal to Wales but have got considerably less caps than Ryan.
“He was a very loyal player, I’ve always had a good relationship with him way before we employed him as our national team manager.
“He is here for the team. Yes, this isn’t the full-time job of a league position but I’m delighted for him.”
Jubilant Gareth Bale celebrates Euro 2020 qualification by holding up fans’ hilarious ‘Wales, Golf, Madrid In That Order’ flag
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
