Legendary manager Louis Van Gaal has been appointed as the head coach of the Dutch national team for the third time. Following a disappointing round-of-16 exit for the Dutch at Euro 2020, Frank De Boer was dismissed. Van Gaal had announced his retirement from football management but was called by the Oranje to lead his national team again. The 69-year-old was the coach of his country from 2000 to 2001 and from 2012 to 2014. His new contract expires after next year’s World Cup in Qatar. The tactical master has won 15 trophies across some of the world’s biggest clubs and is fondly remembered for the Dutch run to the semi-final of the 2014 World Cup.
The former Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and AZ Alkmaar said: “Dutch football has always been close to my heart and national coaching is in my view a key position for the further advancement of our football. Moreover, I consider it an honor to coach the Dutch national team. There is little time for the next qualifying matches, which are immediately crucial for participation in the World Cup. The focus is therefore immediately 100 percent on the players and the approach. After all, I was appointed for that. It’s good to be back in Zeist. I’m very much looking forward to getting the job done together.”
