Johan Cruyff tells Louis van Gaal to stop moaning about festive fixtures
Johan Cruyff tells Louis van Gaal to embrace the festive fixtures in England, rather than complain about them. He said that there is no way that van Gaal can change what has been going on for a long time and will continue long after he’s gone.
The Manchester United manager was complaining about the fact that his side have had to play 4 matches in 11 days after the 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Impossible for a body to recover in 48 hours: Louis van Gaal
Van Gaal said that it is not possible for players to recover within a forty-eight hour period, so the fixture congestion should be removed.
He said, “Everybody knows that a body cannot recover within 48 hours. Therefore, there is a rule at UEFA and FIFA that you cannot play games (in that time). That's scientifically proven. Everybody knows that and, in spite of that, we have to play. It's the culture of England.
"I don't mind but it is not good for the health of the players and it is not good for the game because I think the FA, and also the fans, want attractive games.”
Complaining makes no sense: Johan Cruyff
However, his Dutch counterpart argued that if van Gaal has taken a job in England, he should accept the successful English culture.
Cryuff said, “If you choose (a job in) England, then you choose for their successful system, which is based on the proposition that the stadiums open as soon as the fans are available to watch, which is the holiday period.
"Playing football between Christmas and New Year is a war of attrition and thus in favour of physically stronger teams."
Cryuff warned van Gaal that he should adjust to it because it is a historical tradition and won’t be changed.
"It has been working (well) since time immemorial and in 100 years it will still be so," Cruyff added. "Complaining makes no sense if everyone else around you is happy. Moreover, everybody is well paid for working over the holiday period."
The two, despite managing both Ajax and Barcelona, have a frosty relationship and statements like this from Cruyff won’t go any further in improving the camaraderie between the Dutchmen.