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?
Robert Martinez is being considered as the new head coach. Hahaha
Are you serious? Do these guys know what they’re doing? I’m not surprised anyway
I figured this must be a joke when I read it! But apparently not…
We wait 50 years to appoint a foreign manager and now decide that the best choice from candidates throughout the world is Roberto Martinez?!
I am with JB and Jean_Venette, that would be disheartening. There is contradictory reporting from VI, so we’ll see:
From VI:
“If the KNVB wants to sit down with Roberto Martínez regarding the vacant position of national coach, the Spaniard is open to a conversation. However, the chances that the 53-year-old coach will actually take the helm of the Dutch national team seem slim…The names of Arne Slot , Louis van Gaal, and Michael Reiziger have been mentioned, but now that of Martínez has also appeared in De Telegraaf .
“Jesse De Preter, Martínez’s lawyer, states that his client has not yet held talks with the KNVB. Nor are they currently ongoing. ‘If Nigel de Jong calls, we will enter into discussions,’ said the coach’s representative. However, De Preter sees little chance of success beforehand. ‘Traditionally, the KNVB opts for a Dutch coach, and financially, I suspect that expectations are very far apart. I don’t see how this can become a deal.’ De Preter and Martínez have been working together since 2016, and last week the two made plans together regarding his future.”
Xavi Hernandez!
WOW! Did not see that coming!
At least no one can accuse of playing “anti-football” now!
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49592307/netherlands-hire-xavi-coach-2030-world-cup
If this were an actual quote, that would be phenomenal:
https://x.com/Vfynn_/status/2087622566089576755