Robert Page will be supported by Arsenal trainer Albert Stuivenberg (L) at Euro 2020
Robert Page believes his appointment as Wales manager for Euro 2020 will give the team “clarity” this summer.
Page will lead Wales in the belated tournament after manager Ryan Giggs was accused of assaulting two women and of coercing or controlling behavior.
Page was an assistant coach at Giggs before replacing him in the previous two international windows.
“It’s difficult circumstances. There’s no hiding from it, but it is what it is,” said Page.
“It’s the situation we got into so we can deal with it in the best possible way.
“In the last two camps the guys have reacted positively and weren’t affected at all. It’s continuity that the players want.
“Fortunately, we all know what’s going to happen and it is me, the players and everyone who works with the team.
“We can concentrate on the job at hand, and that plans and prepares a team that is ready to survive in the euro.”
Giggs appeared in court last month to contest Kate Greville, 36, and her younger sister Emma’s joint attack at his home.
The 47-year-old will also be charged with coercive or control behavior between December 2017 and November 2020.
While advocating Giggs on international windows in March and November, Page had stayed in touch with the manager to discuss selection and tactical issues.
Since Giggs will not be involved during Euro 2020, Page will have the final say in decisions and will be supported by coaching colleagues Albert Stuivenberg and Kit Symons as well as performance manager Tony Strudwick and goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts.
“In terms of decisions and finalization, I will be,” said Page.
“What Ryan said is if I need advice or some other perspective he’ll always be there.
“It’s great to hear that, but in the end the decisions are now made by me, Albert, Tony Strudwick, Tony Roberts and the collective as a group.
“It was difficult, but now the situation is clear – for players, supporters, the FAW.
“From the employees’ point of view, we are fully focused on what lies ahead and we are all looking forward to it.”
One of Page’s key decisions is the election of the Welsh squad for Euro 2020 by June 1st.
Uefa will allow up to 26 instead of the usual 23 players in each squad this summer in order to ease the burden on players after a club season that has been compressed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, there will only be 23 players in the day’s squads.
Tottenham defenseman Ben Davies and Stoke midfielder Joe Allen are among the Welsh players recovering from injuries.
Page expects both to be fit for the tournament’s opening game against Switzerland on June 12 in Baku, Wales, and welcomes the growing squad size.
“There are a few more games to play [in the club season] and I’m holding my breath – I want everyone to come through unharmed, “said Page.
“It helped us a bit to have those extra three players to make it 26.
“It’s been a tough season for these players and for a couple we’ve got back from injuries. We have a few more weeks and games to get them back to full shape.”
“It’s a little easier for us to pick the 26 players.”
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