New Wales manager Ryan Giggs labelled criticism that he was not committed to the country during his playing days as "unfair."
Giggs captained Wales and won 64 caps in an international career spanning 16 years between 1991 and 2007.
But his regular withdrawal from Wales squads -- he did not feature in an international friendly until 2000 -- upset many fans who have questioned his commitment and voiced their displeasure with his appointment as Chris Coleman's successor.
The former Manchester United winger, however, has defended his international playing record as he attempts to win over sceptical supporters -- an ambition, he admits, can only be achieved by winning games.
"I played over 1,000 games and I didn't get there without managing myself," Giggs said after agreeing a four-year deal to take Wales into Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
"Early on in my career, I had problems with my hamstrings and missed loads of United games, but the criticism I'm getting is something I just have to deal with by winning games. I think [the criticism] is a bit unfair, yes, but football's about opinions."
Asked about dealing with the club managers of his key players, including Real Madrid's Gareth Bale and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, Giggs said: "You have to have relationships with the clubs in international football -- and that's what I plan to do. It's about managing what is best for the player and also for the country.
"When you've got Champions League quarterfinals and you are asking the players to travel all around the world, it's just about striking that balance. There has to be a flexibility because every situation will be different. Ultimately, I want all the players to report for every game."
Giggs also suggested he could have Welshmen and non-Welshmen on his coaching staff -- and that may include former United teammate Paul Scholes, according to the Daily Mail.
Scholes, 43, also assisted during Giggs' four-match tenure as United's caretaker player-manager in 2014 following the sacking of David Moyes.
Giggs spent almost his entire club career at United playing under Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired before Giggs' final season at Old Trafford. He remained in coaching with Moyes and later Louis Van Gaal before leaving the club following the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager in 2016.
That separation from United was difficult, Giggs acknowledged in May, including seeing a psychologist to help him cope with that separation.
Giggs admitted he will tap into Ferguson's knowledge as he starts out on his first job in football management, but he also insisted he is very much his own man when it comes to making tough decisions.
"I had a short conversation with Sir Alex and he said the phone he is always there if I need him," said Giggs, who has worked as a technical advisor for UEFA since leaving his role as United assistant coach in 2016.
"I am fortune to have someone like that to lean on and there are plenty of players who I played with who I can tap into their experience as well, but I am my own man and it's about making individuals better.
"I had a great [coaching] apprenticeship at United, but now I am ready to go on my own with Wales. There will be some tough decisions to take, but ultimately it's about getting Wales to a championship."