Louis Van Gaal is all set to return as Netherlands coach. This sees the “Iron Tulip” return for one last stint.
Frank de Boer has stepped down from his position with the national team. The Netherlands were handed an exit from Euro 2020 by the Czech Republic. They started the tournament fairly well but due to certain setbacks, they could not push further.
The knockout stages heralded trouble. As soon as Matthijs de Ligt saw red vs Czech Republic, things started to crumble. A team that stood solid and set for any opposition were suddenly bumbling and looked lost.
Netherlands’ history with Van Gaal
Van Gaal’s second run with the national team in 2014 saw them take third place at the World Cup in Brazil. Some time after, he took up a coaching job with Manchester United. However, his stint there was cut short in 2016 after a series of losses.
This summer, Netherlands finally returned to a major tournament but faced huge disappointment on getting knocked out.
Third time’s a charm?
The Netherlands will now look to Louis Van Gaal, who previously headed the Oranje on two occasions. Van Gaal takes over from de Boer a month after the latter’s resignation.
The Dutchman will reunite with Danny Blind, Frans Hoek and Henk Fraser. Van Gaal is no stranger to nurturing young coaches – for instance Ryan Giggs at Manchester United. Comparatively, Fraser is more experienced. The Dutch team is a very young squad with the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Donny van de Beek and de Ligt. Expect fireworks at Qatar next year.
Whether the third time is in fact a charm and he manages a World Cup win ought to be a very intriguing watch.
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