A legend is eager to return! Van Gaal ready to lead the Netherlands national team for a fourth time
Van Gaal isn't finished with coaching just yet—he's ready for a comeback.
Details: According to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, Louis van Gaal is open to returning as head coach of the Netherlands national team. The legendary coach has made it clear that health concerns are no longer an obstacle; he feels in top form and is prepared to handle the demands of the job. Another point in his favor: van Gaal still knows most of the current Oranje squad inside out.
The Netherlands national team has been without a manager since late June, when Ronald Koeman stepped down after the World Cup exit to Morocco. Since then, the federation has considered a long list of candidates: Arne Slot declined to swap club football for the national side, options with Erik ten Hag were discussed, and currently Mikel Reiziger, who works with the youth team, is seen as a frontrunner. Van Gaal, meanwhile, has been free since early July, when he left his role as an adviser to Ajax’s supervisory board, and has not taken any football job since.
It’s worth noting that this would be van Gaal’s fourth stint with the Netherlands: he previously managed the Oranje in 2000–2002, 2012–2014, and 2021–2023. Under his guidance, the team clinched World Cup bronze in 2014 and reached the quarterfinals in Qatar, only to fall to Argentina on penalties. The veteran coach will turn 75 on August 8.
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