Former Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal, has been named Netherlands head coach for the third time following Frank de Boer’s departure in June 2021 after a last-16 defeat by the Czech Republic at Euro 2020. The 69-year-old Dutchman was in charge of the side from 2000-2002 and again from 2012-2014 before he joined Manchester United. Ever since he has not managed since being sacked by United in 2016 and said it was an "honour" to return to the Dutch team.
Van Gaal whose contract runs until the end of Qatar 2022 World Cup expressed his happiness in an official statement, which reads: “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 honour 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 per cent 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.”
Since Van Gaal guided the Netherlands to a third-place finish in 2014, before joining Manchester United, the Netherlands have had seven different coaches including Guus Hiddink, Danny Blind, Dick Advocaat and Ronald Koeman.
