World Cup fallouts: Ronald Koeman to replace Louis Van Gaal as Netherlands Coach
Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has now entered retirement following Netherlands exit from the World Cup in Qatar.
It’s the last time that the 71-year-old would hold sway for Dutch team in his three times of handling the team.
The former Manchester United boss has been heavily criticised by the country’s media for his playing style during the World Cup but insists he bows out with his head held high.
“There’s nothing to reproach myself for. The boys fought until the bitter end and now they are in the dressing room feeling despondent. They gave everything, I am incredibly proud” he said after their loss to Argentina on Friday.
“I had a wonderful time. It’s incredibly painful to go out like this, especially as I did everything I could to prevent this from happening.
“What I am leaving is an excellent group, as people and footballers. I was the coach for 20 games and we didn’t lose any of them. There is a reason for that.”
He had been brought out of retirement last year following the sack of Frank de Boer who was fired after elimination in the last 16 of the European Championship by the Czech Republic.
Van Gaal’s career high points includes a Champions League success with Ajax Amsterdam, two LaLiga titles at Barcelona, the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich but a seeming disappointing spell at Manchester United, where he only won the FA Cup in 2016.
Standing by to take over is Ronald Koeman. The 59- year-old former Everton and Barcelona boss had already signed in April a three-year deal to return as Netherlands boss from 2023.
