Giggs: Management is tough

May 8, 2014
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from A Marshall & R Grant, ManUtd.com
Ryan Giggs admits taking temporary charge of Manchester United has been a baptism of fire .
 
The interim manager has come into the job at the tail-end of the season when a great deal of planning is required for the summer and the 2014/2015 campaign. Although he concedes there are times when it has been difficult, the Reds' most decorated player says he is learning immeasurably from the role.
 
"It’s a strange experience for me, but one I've enjoyed," Giggs told MUTV during Thursday's Player of the Year Awards. "It’s been a great experience, to be fair. We’re at a stage the season where so many things need to get sorted out, so it’s probably the most hectic time. I’ve had lots of help from both the staff and the players, so it’s not just me, it’s a team effort.
 
"It's just the things that you don’t expect to do and everybody wants a piece of you during the day. It’s best to stay in your office and hide because as soon as you come out, somebody wants something! The football side of things is no problem, it’s just all the other stuff.
 
“It’s a totally different experience than any of your coaching badges, which prepare you the best they can. But it isn’t until you actually experience it, that you know whether or not you are going to like it. There have been times when I’ve felt it has been a headache and times when it’s just so rewarding, like the good results we’ve had or a good training session which the lads have reacted well to. Sometimes, everything gets on top of you and you can’t wait for the day to end, but it’s been more enjoyable than not."
 
Giggs admits defeat is even harder to take as a manager but he was delighted with Tuesday's win against Hull City.
 
"Winning is probably more satisfying but losing is definitely worse than when you are playing," he stated. "As a player you hate losing, there’s no doubt about that. You can go away and go for a meal with your family to block it out but, as manager, you’re constantly thinking about what went wrong or how you can do things differently. 
 
"I’ve only managed for three games, we’ve won two and lost one. I’ve learnt more from the loss, it’s a learning experience. It’s quite similar to playing, you have to try to learn from your mistakes and improve.
 
"It was an emotional night [on Tuesday] with Nemanja [Vidic] leaving, and I don’t know what I’m doing with my future yet.  I enjoyed the game, it was a proud moment for me to see the young players coming on and doing so well, I trusted them to do so. There’s always a doubt in your mind about how young players will react, but they reacted brilliantly. There were a lot of emotions on the night but, overall, I’m really pleased."
 
As regards his own future, the Welshman insists he has yet to make his mind up over whether he will retire or not.
 
"I’ve been preparing for it [retirement] for about five years," he added. "It’s probably something I’ll think about at the end of season when my head isn’t so muddled and I’ll just take my time. Once you stop playing, that’s it. You have to think carefully, but if I finished five years ago I’d have been happy with my career, so every year since then has been a bonus. I’m still enjoying training and playing, it just depends what I want to do in the next stage of my career.
 
"There is a big change, but as footballers if you move on to another club you get on with it. I’ve seen great players leave, but Manchester United still moves on and that will always happen. It’s sad when players leave, but, more often than not, you’re looking forward as a player and as a club. It’s sad, but it gives other players and younger players a chance."
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