5 biggest mistakes of Louis van Gaal's managerial career
Louis van GaalManchester United manager Louis Van Gaal is known for his no-nonsense and straightforward approach which has won him many admirers as well as landed him in a series of controversies. The Dutchman has done some pretty crazy stuff during his various managerial spell which includes dropping his trousers in front of Bayern Munich players to show that he has ‘what it takes’ and will drop anyone from the team, if he has to.Some of his comments have often led to situations where he has lived to regret them. For example; after taking charge of Manchester United, Van Gaal asked the press to judge him after a three-month period. Sadly for him, United were in a very poor position in the EPL and he admitted that he made a ‘stupid mistake’. But such things are not a big deal in comparison to some of the things he has done during his career.Here are five big mistakes that Louis van Gaal has made during his managerial career.
#1 Benching the Worlds Best Player and fighting the Spanish press
In 1997, Van Gaal inherited a Barcelona side that won a cup treble under Bobby Robson. The Dutchman was joining the Catalan club after leading Ajax to two back-to-back Champions League finals and winning one title, while dominating the Eredivisie. He helped Barcelona to two league titles in his first two seasons, but his achievements were overshadowed by his fallout with Rivaldo and his poor relationship with the Spanish press.
In 1999, Rivaldo was at the peak of his career and also won the Ballon d’Or the same year. The Brazilian suggested to Van Gaal that he should play behind the striker and move from his usual left wing position. This did not go down well with Van Gaal and he benched the world’s best player at the time.
Rivaldo returned to the team quickly but didn’t have as good a season as he had earlier. The Spanish press constantly disapproved the Dutchman’s decision to bench Rivaldo. and when Van Gaal left Spain for the first time, the media celebrated his departure. This was also because of his arrogant attitude towards them and his failure to fully learn Catalan or Spanish. Upon his departure, he famously announced to the media: “Friends of the press, I am leaving. Congratulations.”
Van Gaal returned to Barcelona for a second spell in 2002 and he released Rivaldo, despite the Brazilian having a year left on his contract and having just recently helped Brazil to a World Cup win. Rivaldo said: “Van Gaal is the main cause of my departure. I don't like Van Gaal, and I am sure that he doesn't like me, either.”
Van Gaal replied that Rivaldo's lack of commitment was the reason he was released. Rivaldo joined AC Milan that season and won the Champions League while Van Gaal was sacked halfway through the season.