Reply With QuoteI think Giggs' tenure as manager will not be end up being so much a judgement on Ryan Giggs in isolation, but on the collective of ability of Giggs and his backroom staff. To explain that, let's give some context. Initially I thought Speed was a hasty appointment. But what became apparent with time was that Osian Roberts worked his technical magic on the training ground behind the scenes, and blending the energy of youth with senior players, he sowed the seeds of The Welsh Way. Coleman had seen more experience at Fulham and was a success there, but at Wales he had come on board and inherited the squad and what had become The Welsh Way. Osian Roberts was the constant factor behind the scenes on the training ground. Coleman tinkered the system slightly, but the the style was maintained. The key to Wales doing well recently, in my view, has been less about the figurehead and more about the continuity of the system, backed by the technical work of Osian Roberts on the training ground, plus the fact our players are bit better than they used to be, but still not a squad full of elite players. Now let's assess Giggs himself.Originally Posted by ae15
Strengths
He has witnessed some of the best managers at first hand, in Louis Van Gaal and Alex Ferguson. Their methods, their people management, their tactics and technical coaching. But then again, so have many other players, and yet no former player has been able to replicate them. The value of their mentoring to Giggs is difficult to measure, and we will only know with time. I'd like to think he can soak up that knoweledge from the best, remember it, and apply it. As for his leadership style he doesn't seem to rattle people around him and that's a plus. Like Carlo Ancelotti he seems to be a quiet leader. Many don't like this but it wasn't a problem for Coleman and Speed. Players will respect his ability and knowledge as a former player. He is one of the most decorated players in Europe, with two Champions League medals and more Premier League medals than players can count. From this, he has plenty of experience to pass on the youngsters. How to condition themselves. Mental conditioning. Preparation. Knowledge of systems and positional play against European opponents. All of this is valuable stuff. But there are negatives to consider.
The negatives
Giggs is an even higher risk appointment than Speed or Coleman, because unlike them he has not completed a full season in charge of anyone, other than caretaker manager of United for a few games. There was no pressure on that job, and being a manager is a different pressure to being a player. Can he handle it? We have no idea. The Facebook video of Giggs in his last game in charge for United, giving a presentation and speech to the United players against Southampton was a shocker. It certainly shocked me. His speech was awful. Never mind quiet, it was uncharistmatic. It was bland. It was boring. I expected a lot more. He needs to sort that out quickly because even if Osian Roberts does the grunt work around the system and tactics, he needs to give that final speech and preparation to the players. If the Facebook video standards have not improved then mark my words there will be player murmuring that will unsettle the squad. He also has clouds over his persona. People looked up to Speed and Coleman. Not many people respect Giggs as a person anymore, and what he did to his brother in my view was appalling. If people can forget this then his first few difficult months can ride on the goodwill people feel to him as a player. But if people cannot forget the way he treated his brother then I have no doubt that fan and press pressure will grant him little time to adapt if his tenure gets off on the wrong foot.
My call
For me it is not just about Giggs himself. Yes he has obvious weaknesses, but they could be covered. If he allows Osian Roberts to continue his good work and concentrates on his own strengths by advising young players well, helping with mental preparation and being a good figurehead, then he could give valuable continuity with a sprinkle of stardust. I suspect he will have the goodwill intially and hopefully that will lead to success. Should he sideline or release Osian Roberts, tear up the system, tear up his backroom staff and think his former United boys such as the Nevilles, Butt and Scholes can replace the backroom then he is trouble from the off. They have zero credibility in terms of management and no loyalty to Wales. If this happens then Giggs' appointment has the potential to be a unmitigated disaster. So in my view, Giggs' success or failure will absolutely hinge on what he does with his backroom staff.
