Giggs Gives Reasons For Resting Bale

By Joshua Walters

Ryan Giggs says he intentionally left out Gareth Bale in Wales' 1-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago so he can present him fresh against Slovakia in their EURO 2020 qualifier game.

Ben Woodburn scored as Giggs' Wales beat Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly game at Wrexham, a venue where they had not played in 11 years.

Real Madrid striker Bale was among those absent on the night as Giggs paraded a second-string side for the duel which came only four days before Wales' opening EURO 2020 qualifier against Slovakia in Cardiff.

Giggs explained after the game that he left out his star-man because his side has few days to the Slovakia clash and he wanted the player to rest well enough before then. 

“Gareth got his first 90 minutes in three months and took part in a little bit of training on Monday. 

“He trained this morning really well, but it was just too much of a risk with Sunday in mind. That was the case with a few of the players.

“We have the advantage in this first game. Slovakia play Thursday then Sunday, it’s a two-and-a-half-day turnaround.

“I wanted to make sure that we made that advantage count this week, both physically and mentally. 

“Of course it’s disappointing for the fans. They want to see the likes of Gareth, but it’s my job to make sure we are ready for Sunday.”

George Thomas nearly opened the score in the second half but saw his header ruled out for an offside decision.

The hosts continued to dominate possession before breaking the deadlock with teenager Ben Woodburn giving the spectators something to cheer about as he chested home Will Vaulks’ cross from few inches out. 

Giggs was delighted with the win and told reporters how he used an experience they had in Albania to motivate the players inside the dugout at half time.

“The performance, first half especially, I was really pleased with.

“I was pleased with the first half. Trinidad and Tobago didn’t have anything.

“But I reminded the players at half-time about Albania. It was exactly the same in Albania, so we had to keep that clean sheet.

“We rode our luck a bit in the second half, Trinidad and Tobago made it difficult for us. We just had to be patient.”