Louis van Gaal - 'Who else could have done it?' Dutch manager claims he would have appointed himself

ByHarry Latham Coyle

Updated 18/08/2021 at 08:55 GMT

The veteran has been installed after Frank de Boer exited the role after a disappointing Euro 2020 that saw the Netherlands knocked out in the round of 16. It is van Gaal's third stint as head coach of the national team, having previously operated as Dutch manager between 2000 and 2002 and 2012 and 2014

Louis van Gaal has claimed that he would have approached himself to be manager of the Netherlands had he been in charge of the Dutch FA.

The veteran manager has taken charge of his country's national team for a third time after replacing Frank de Boer.

The septuagenarian has not taken a managerial post since leaving Manchester United in 2016, but suggested there were no other options to succeed de Boer, particularly with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar so soon around the corner.

World Cup

'What are you looking at, dummy?' - Messi takes pop at Weghorst, confronts Van Gaal

10/12/2022 at 09:30

• Levy refusing to take Manchester City calls despite Kane bid - Paper Round
• Has Chelsea's loan strategy changed?
• PSG's pursuit of Pogba the latest example of transfer market manipulation

"I think if I was the Dutch Football Association, I'd also have approached me. Who else could have done it?" Van Gaal said at his unveiling.

It might sound a little melodramatic, but I think experience is now very important because we do not have any time.

"I'm not doing this for myself but I'm doing it to help Dutch football."

De Boer exited the role after a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign that saw a fancied Dutch side knocked out at the round of 16 stage.

The Netherlands topped their group but were well beaten by the Czech Republic in the first knockout round.

Van Gaal takes on the post for a third time, having previously been manager between 2000 and 2002 and 2012 and 2014.

The latter tenure was more successful than the former, with the experienced coach leading a strong Dutch team to a third-placed finish at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

"I've always done everything to help Dutch football," continued van Gaal, 70. "I've a lot to thank them for, the status that I have as a coach is thanks to them."

Louis van Gaal has twice previously been the manager of the Dutch national team

Image credit: Getty Images

"In 2000 it was a honour to be appointed coach, in 2012 it was an honour to serve again but now it is even more of an honour."

Van Gaal will open his third stint in charge with a game against Norway in Oslo on September 1, closely followed by home fixtures against Montenegro and Turkey.

World Cup

Van Gaal steps down as Netherlands boss after World Cup exit

10/12/2022 at 08:26

World Cup

'We kiss each other on the mouth' - LVG laughs off Di Maria criticism, embarrasses Memphis

08/12/2022 at 16:13

World Cup

Van Gaal has plan to stop 'dangerous' Messi when Netherlands meet Argentina

06/12/2022 at 13:37