Ryan Giggs: Wales manager quits role | Soccer News

Ryan Giggs has resigned as Wales manager with immediate effect.

Giggs has been on leave since November 2020 and faces a domestic violence trial in Manchester on August 8.

The 48-year-old former Manchester United player is accused of controlling and coercive behavior towards his former girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.

Giggs is also charged with assaulting Ms Greville, causing her actual bodily harm, and assaulting her younger sister, Emma Greville, at her home in Worsley, Greater Manchester on November 1, 2020.

Giggs denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The trial is expected to last about two weeks from August 8.

Robert Page led Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years in Giggs’ absence. Page will be in charge in Qatar, with Giggs deciding to step down.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, coaching staff and players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation about the position of their head coach,” Giggs said in a statement.

He said he intended to “resume my managerial career at a later date”.

The Football Association of Wales said it “acknowledges the personal statement issued by Ryan Giggs on June 20, 2022”.

A short statement read: “The FAW reports its gratitude to Ryan Giggs for his tenure as manager of the Cymru Men’s National Team and appreciates the decision he has made, which is in the best interest of Welsh football.

“FAW and the Cymru Men’s National Team are fully focused on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.”

Giggs’ statement in full

After careful consideration, I am stepping down as manager of the Wales Men’s National Team with immediate effect.

It has been an honor and a privilege to lead my country, but it is right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation over their manager’s position. -chief.

As was well publicized, I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges at Manchester Crown Court.

While I have confidence in our legal process, I had hoped that the case would be heard sooner to allow me to resume my managerial responsibilities.

Through no one’s fault, the case was delayed.

I do not want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilized or compromised in any way by the continued interest around this matter.

I had the chance to live unforgettable moments during my three years at the head of the national team.

I am proud of my record and will treasure these special moments forever.

It has been a pleasure to work with such experienced and well-established professionals, and it has given me immense pride to see so many young players progressing through the national team and flourishing under the red colors of our country.

I am humbled and grateful to our passionate supporters for following us around the world.

Seeing nearly 3,000 of our loyal fans traveling to Baku for the European Championship qualifiers against Azerbaijan made me appreciate the sacrifices people make to watch our nation play.

I’m sad we can’t continue this journey together as I believe this amazing group will do the country proud at our first World Cup since 1958.

I would like to thank General Manager Noel Mooney, his predecessor Jonathan Ford, the FAW Board of Directors, and the many people behind the scenes who work tirelessly to help our national team and for the support they have given me. brought during this difficult time in my personal life.

I intend to resume my managerial career at a later date and look forward to seeing our national team alongside you in the stands.

Finally, I wish the FAW players, staff and supporters every success at the World Cup and in the future.

Thanks and best wishes. Ryan

Giggs, who earned 64 caps for Wales as a player, succeeded Chris Coleman as manager.

He had to win over many supporters who had questioned his commitment to the Welsh cause during a distinguished playing career at Old Trafford.

But Giggs pulled it off as Wales – buoyed by the brilliance of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey – qualified for Euro 2020, their second successive European Championship final.

However, Euro 2020 was delayed by 12 months due to coronavirus and Page, who Giggs appointed as his assistant in August 2019, ended up taking Wales to the final last summer.

Page built on that work by guiding Wales to second place behind Belgium in their 2020 World Cup qualifying group.

Victories over Austria and Ukraine then secured Wales’ place at a World Cup for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals in Sweden in 1958.

Page recently revealed his contract lasts for as long as Wales compete in the World Cup, and Bale endorsed the former Northampton and Port Vale boss ahead of this month’s Nations League game against England. Belgium.

Bale said: “I think he’s the long-term manager. I don’t think there’s any question in the dressing room or from the fans.

“He did an incredible job arriving, in difficult circumstances. Everyone with him has a great relationship.

“I guess that’s why you achieve great things when your team is happy and your manager is doing well.”