Hughes offers Giggs advice

September 10, 2010
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from SkySports.com
Mark Hughes has revealed he would recommend accepting an offer to coach Wales to his former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs.
 
John Toshack's departure on Thursday following Wales' losing start to the Euro 2012 qualifiers has led to suggestions Giggs could be a candidate for the job.
 
Giggs has previously stated he would be keen to coach his country in the future, although his United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out the possibility of the 36-year-old taking on the role while still a player.
 
Hughes was still a player when he started his coaching career with Wales in 1999 and the current Fulham manager believes Giggs should accept the position if he is offered the role.
 
"I was still playing in the Premier League when I got the Wales job," said the Fulham boss. "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."
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