Celebrated 75-year-old coach Louis van Gaal claims the Dutch federation has not yet contacted him about a return to the bench, but he is confident in the quality of the current generation and reveals he feels better than in 2022.
Legendary Dutch coach Louis van Gaal (75) stated on Tuesday that the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has still not officially contacted him regarding a possible return as national team head coach. At the same time, he had nothing but praise for the current squad, which he believes has the capacity to win the biggest world and European trophies.
Although his name has been increasingly mentioned in Dutch media in recent days as a potential solution for the vacant bench, Van Gaal revealed in an interview with Voetbal International that it all remains speculation. "I always want to help the KNVB and I see clear possibilities. I think that with this selection, the Netherlands can become European or world champions. However, there has been no contact. I don't know what the Federation wants. Obviously, there is very little interest in that position, which is why my name is being mentioned again in public," said Van Gaal.
Speculation about his fourth term intensified after KNVB negotiations with youth team coach Michael Reiziger were abruptly broken off. However, Van Gaal remains realistic about his future.
The experienced tactician, who has led his country's national team on three occasions, does not completely close the door, but hints that his next role could be outside the Netherlands. "I have already been the national coach of the Netherlands three times. If I do something again, it will probably be abroad. However, you never know," Van Gaal said.
A particularly encouraging message comes regarding his health. Recall that during his last tenure and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Van Gaal was battling prostate cancer. Today, he says, he is in significantly better shape. "I feel more ready and more energetic than I did in 2022," he said.
While the KNVB decides on Ronald Koeman's successor, the new coach will immediately face demanding challenges in the UEFA Nations League. The first match is against Germany, followed by an away game against Serbia in Belgrade. It remains to be seen whether the federation's leaders will respond to Van Gaal's words and extend an official invitation, or whether they will direct their search toward other candidates.
