‘The manager decides the tactics’: Louis van Gaal clashes with Virgil van Dijk
Netherlands are unbeaten since Van Gaal took charge following the Euros and have qualified for the World Cup this year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Louis van Gaal has reminded Virgil van Dijk that the “manager decides the tactics” after the Liverpool defender suggested he would prefer to play a different system with the national team.
Van Gaal returned to the Netherlands for a third spell as manager following the country’s exit from the Euros last summer and the team are unbeaten under the 70-year-old, winning six of their eight games and qualifying for the World Cup.
The Netherlands defeated Denmark 4-2 in a friendly match on Friday to extend their unbeaten record but Van Dijk hinted afterwards he felt uncomfortable playing in the middle of back three in Van Gaal’s 3-4-1-2 system.
When asked what formation he would prefer, Van Dijk said that he is in favour of the 4-3-3 system used at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, which is also what Dutch teams have traditionally played.
But when those comments were put to Van Gaal, the former Manchester United and Barcelona coach replied. “I know he has that preference, he always said this publicly. We already had this debate when I came here. The manager decides the tactics.”
Van Gaal, who previously managed the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup, has voiced his opposition to playing the tournament in Qatar this year, claiming the decision to stage the competition in the country in November and December is “ridiculous”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments