Reports have emerged tonight that suggest former Manchester United assistant coach and club legend Ryan Giggs could be making his managerial debut sooner than expected.
After opting to leave the club following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager, a position Giggs himself clearly wanted, some expected the Welshman to step away from the public eye while he looks out for the right opportunity, but that opportunity may have presented itself just a month into the new season due to the struggles of Swansea City.
John Percy reports in The Telegraph that Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins wants Giggs to take over from Francesco Guidolin, who his source described as a "dead man walking" as soon as possible, but faces competition from the club's owners who want to see some stability given.
The problem is that should Swansea's form remain as poor as it has been lately, they may not have a choice. The Swans have lost four of their last five and find themselves on just four points in the Premier League, despite fighting back to claim a draw at home to Chelsea.
Francesco Guidolin is fighting to save his job as Swansea City manager after it emerged the club has targeted Ryan Giggs to replace him.
Huw Jenkins, the Swansea chairman, is understood to have considered approaching Giggs over the prospect of succeeding Guidolin before the move was blocked by the club’s new American owners.
Percy continues to suggest that Guidolin is coming under increasing pressure, and may not make it until the next international break if results do not start to improve.
But Giggs has been a Jenkins target for some time and while it is unclear whether the 42-year-old would accept the post, Guidolin appears increasingly likely to be sacked before the next international break in October.
Guidolin’s future is under serious doubt not only due to results – with Swansea winning only one of their opening five league games – but growing concerns over his methods and relationship with the squad.
The next question is, does Giggs want the job?
He need only ask his old pal Ole Gunnar Solskjaer how difficult it can be to take over a Welsh club in a relegation battle, as Solskjaer's managerial career was on a swiftly upward trajectory until he became Cardiff City boss, but if Giggs wants to prove his ability as a manager, then Swansea would present him the ability to do so.
It all seems quite harsh on Guidolin, but his appointment in the first place was a strange one. We'll keep you updated as this story develops.
