Louis van Gaal once again showed that he is one of the most unconventional managers in the football industry right now, at least when it comes to press conferences.
The 71-year-old ex-Manchester United boss is set to lead the Netherlands football team into the Qatar World Cup.
Having said that, van Gaal is a little spoilt for choice given the large talent pool that presently belongs to the Netherlands.
Therefore, it was obvious that some players would have to wait for another 4 years to get their crack at the World Cup.
Van Gaal had the courtesy to call up the players he had cut from the squad himself. He says during the squad announcement press conference, “It’s not easy dropping someone. I spent 1 hour and 45 minutes Facetiming the 11 players this morning. It wasn’t easy. I also took into account the time difference with the English players. I saw some naked players because they were still in bed.”
Van Gaal was also asked a question about his wife claiming that he was superstitious.
To that, Van Gaal had one of the most hilarious responses that show exactly how blunt and nonchalant the manager can be.
Van Gaal said, “No. I received orange underpants from her. Do you really think I will wear these orange pants every day? I only do it on match days. This is why I wear it. Out of respect for my sweet wife.”
Notably, Van Gaal has had a very unorthodox management style which became evident during his time at Bayern Munich.
He wanted to establish his authority in the dressing room. Therefore, he simply dropped his trousers to show that he ‘had the balls’ to drop any player he wanted to from the squad.
The Netherlands squad this year is star-studded despite the manager having had to drop a few known names.
Presently, players such as Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, and Matthijs de Ligt have been included in the team.
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Internazionale), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munchen), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United), Jurrien Timber (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Internazionale)
Midfielders: Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta Bergamo), Marten de Roon (Atalanta Bergamo), Xavi Simons (PSV Eindhoven), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax)
Forwards: Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Memphis Depay (Barcelona), Cody Gakpo (PSV), Vincent Janssen (Antwerp), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Noah Lang (Club Brugge), Wout Weghorst (Besiktas)
Van Gaal even publicly talked about the Netherlands’ chances of winning the World Cup.
It bears mentioning that the nation had failed to even qualify for the Russian World Cup. However, the manager is certainly optimistic about the team’s performance in Qatar.
Van Gaal: “I want to become WORLD CHAMPIONS, and my players want this too! And if I look up and stare at this picture I think… damn.. these are my boys.” pic.twitter.com/cbDKfOceK5
Twitter reacts to Van Gaal’s highly unconventional quotes during the World Cup squad reveal press conference
@Utdjayy69 – He says what he wants he says what he waaantss Louis van gaaal he says what he wants id love him back at united
@MUFCRELOADDED – For every LVG quote I have to check the account whether its a troll or not.
@ayamjantam96 – Among the best managers when it came to interview
@axekillerboi – Van Gaal is the GOAT of Press Conferences
@motlaleexcel – This guy is revealing a lot of personal stuff. Quick! Someone ask him for his bank pin and add “I’m not asking your pin or anything, but what is it?”
@pl_sma – This is peak Van Gaal. I miss his interview shenanigans.
@Allchelseafanp1 – He is clearly saying he picked his squad based on discipline maturity commitment and responsibility
@Jordan5537337 – did not have to know he was seeing players naked tho
@1905Aslanar – That’s just how dutch people are its a hit of dry humor and being really open and direct. Which I like.
