This ought to make fans of the Dutch national team quiver with delightful anticipation of this summer’s World Cup, while also serving to further incite gossip on White Hart Lane.
Netherlands national team manager Louis van Gaal made headlines last month with his stated desire to run a Premier League side, and Tottenham’s long been a spot of rampant speculation since the 62-year-old declared he was wrapping up his time as Dutch manager.
He’s been mentioned as a desired candidate for Spurs as recently as Monday.
So here’s what van Gaal said to Rotterdam newspaper Algemeen Dagblad when asked why he announced the World Cup would be his last gig in charge of Holland:
“Because after two years I’m totally sick of being national coach.”
Tell us how you really feel.
Guus Hiddink has already been tapped to lead the side after the World Cup, and van Gaal faces a challenging Group B with Spain, Chile and Australia. Plus, the nation without stalwart midfielder Kevin Strootman.
So it follows with more than a little humor that, given his above comments and stern reputation, van Gaal dropped this line about his team’s World Cup goals.
“It is all about team spirit,” Van Gaal said of team building for Brazil. “Having everybody pull in the same direction.”
That sounds easy when someone’s so passionate about their job.
