Former Bayern Munich manager Louis Van Gaal has been appointed as the Dutch coach on a two year contract after Bert Van Marwijk decided to quit following a calamitous Euro campaign.
The 60 year old is one of the most experienced managers in the world but has had a forgettable stint with the Holland national team back in 2002 when he failed to qualify them for the World Cup finals. Van Gaal has managed Barcelona, Ajax, Bayern and was once touted as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Oranje fans were in favor of Frank Rijkaard as the next manager but KNVB opted for the more experienced Van Gaal. Â KNVB director Bert van Oostveen said: “We were looking for a coach with a wealth of experience, with personal and technical expertise.
“Van Gaal has a proven track record both nationally and internationally, and we know he is a dedicated and very passionate coach.”
The veteran thwarted competition from Rijkaard, Co Adriaanse and Ronald Koeman to become the next Dutch coach. Many believe he is the ideal one to deal with the egos in the dressing room.
“I am pleased that the KNVB has approached me,” Van Gaal told the federation’s official website. “This is the challenge that I was waiting for.”