Giggs: 'I'm looking to be a manager'

'I only left Manchester United a month ago. It has been a short window, and all teams have managers in place. After one’s playing career ends, he has to do something. For me, coaching is the next best thing to playing," Ryan Giggs said.

Published : Jul 22, 2016 20:41 IST , Mapusa

Mumbai 5s player Ryan Giggs (blue and white jersey) in actionduring Premier Futsal in Mapusa.
Mumbai 5s player Ryan Giggs (blue and white jersey) in actionduring Premier Futsal in Mapusa.
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Mumbai 5s player Ryan Giggs (blue and white jersey) in actionduring Premier Futsal in Mapusa.

Earlier this month, Ryan Giggs snapped a 29-year association with Manchester United when he resigned as assistant manager. The Welshman, who progressed from the club’s youth academy to an immensely fruitful career as a Red Devil, quit after the appointment of Portuguese maverick Jose Mourinho as head coach.

Giggs, however, emphasised that his managerial ambitions remain undiminished. The Premier Futsal Mumbai 5s marquee player spoke to the media on a variety on topics here on Friday.

Excerpts:

Plans:

First and foremost, I’m looking to be a manager. If I get the right offer, I’ll jump at it. I’ve got some offers — just little bits. I only left Manchester United a month ago. It has been a short window, and all teams have managers in place. After one’s playing career ends, he has to do something. You can’t sit at home and watch television or play golf all day. For me, coaching is the next best thing to playing.

Taking solo charge at Manchester United at the end of the 2013-14 season:

It was unbelievable, even though it was for only four games. I learnt so much. You can do all the qualifications and exams you want, but nothing compares to sitting in the hot seat. You’re all alone in your office - preparing for the training sessions, watching the opposition and doing so many other things. That stint will be very helpful for any coaching roles that I will take up.

Wales’ exceptional run at Euro 2016:

Nobody expected Wales to reach the semifinals. They could have quite easily won the tournament too; a couple of suspensions hurt their chances. Their run captured the imagination of our nation. The squad had seven to eight players who had grown up together. They matured together - except for Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, who have been doing well for a long time now. When you have a guy like Bale, the opposition is always worried, because he can produce some magic every time he steps onto the field. Wales should build on this show, and try to do well in the World Cups as well.

Road map for Indian football:

You need a vision — short-term and long-term. You need also need to catch the interest of the younger generation — as we have been doing with Premier Futsal. Ultimately, it boils down to having a vision. You’ve seen with Iceland and Wales that you don’t need a country with millions of people to do well in international competitions. If you have someone who has a vision and sticks to it, the standards will improve.

Helping young teammates:

When I was starting off at Manchester United, I would have been lost if not for the help that I got from my seniors. I looked to pick up small things from them - how to train etc. Sometimes, youngsters are hesitant to ask for tips from the experienced professionals. They need not be; we have all been in that situation once. So here in India, it is our job to help Indian footballers.

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