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.
De Boer stepped down from the post following the Netherlands’ disappointing round of 16 exit at the hands of the Czech Republic at the European Championships, and the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) have now turned to a familiar face to steady the ship.
Van Gaal has been appointed on an initial one-year deal to oversee the remainder of the Oranjes’ World Cup qualifying campaign, and will also be in the dugout if they make it to the 2022 tournament in Qatar, with Danny Blind signing on as his assistant after stepping down from the Ajax board of directors.
Van Gaal has expressed his delight in an official statement: “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 is good to be back in Zeist.
“By now I have already I have spoken to a number of players and the technical staff has been put together with the KNVB. I am very much looking forward to getting the job done together.”
