After Arne Slot reportedly turned down the chance to become the next Netherlands head coach, the KNVB suddenly found itself back at square one. While Michael Reiziger has emerged as one of the leading candidates, many Oranje supporters have questioned whether the former Jong Oranje coach has the experience and also lacks the charisma needed to lead Oranje.
A surprise candidate has emerged !!
Louis van Gaal has confirmed that he would be open to a fourth spell in charge of the Netherlands if the KNVB comes calling.
For some supporters, there is simply no bigger name. Van Gaal is one of the greatest coaches in Dutch football history. He led Ajax to Champions League glory, won league titles with Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich, managed Manchester United, and guided Oranje to a memorable third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup. Even at the 2022 World Cup, the Netherlands remained unbeaten in regular time before being cruelly eliminated by eventual champions Argentina on penalties.
Louis knows best
Louis has a blunt personality! Van Gaal is famously outspoken and highly confident. His direct comments about players, journalists, and fellow coaches have often been perceived as arrogant, leading to the nickname “Louis knows best.”
Stronger and softer?
Encouraging is the update on his health. After bravely revealing his battle with prostate cancer (he shared it openly in the media) in 2022, Van Gaal says he now feels fitter than he did four years ago. Although he has no desire to return to the day-to-day demands of club football, the rhythm of international management still appeals to him.
If the KNVB truly wants the best chance of winning the 2028 Euro Cup and nations League, the choice seems obvious. Hopefully Nigel realizes that going with Reiziger is garantued failure. One of the greatest managers the Netherlands has ever produced is available, motivated, healthy, and ready for one final mission.
The question is whether the KNVB will make the call?
20 years ago these players would stay longer in Holland, being able to develop much more then nowadays. IF a…