Soccer
Louis van Gaal refused to rule out returning as the Netherlands’ head coach for the fourth time amid speculation over who will replace Ronald Koeman.
Koeman, who was also in for a second spell in charge of his nation, resigned from his position following the Netherlands’ last-32 exit from this summer’s World Cup.
The Netherlands were beaten 3-2 on penalties by Morocco following a 1-1 draw in normal time, with Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville’s misses proving costly.
It saw the Oranje eliminated from the World Cup on penalties for the third consecutive time, thus ending Koeman’s second stint at the helm.
Several candidates have been linked with becoming Koeman’s successor, with former Dutch stars Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy reportedly among the frontrunners.
Van Gaal and Michael Reiziger, the manager of the Netherlands’ Under-21 side, are also of interest, along with Arne Slot, who was sacked by Liverpool at the end of last season.
“I always want to help the KNVB (Dutch football association), just as I wanted to do at Ajax,” Van Gaal said in an interview with Voetbal International magazine.
“And with a squad like that, there are possibilities, and I think that the Netherlands could potentially still become European or world champions, because 95 per cent of the squad plays abroad and mostly at good clubs.
“The only thing at play is that they can’t find anyone at the moment, and then my name comes up again. I find that unbelievable in a way.
“Anyway, I don’t know at all what the KNVB wants, and I have already been national coach three times, so if I ever do something as a trainer again, you probably shouldn’t look for it in the Netherlands.
“Although you never know with me. I feel fitter than four years ago.”
@RonaldKoeman #NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/powUZT8WNu
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) July 1, 2026
Van Gaal first took charge of the Netherlands in 2000 and oversaw their failure to qualify for the World Cup in 2002, the first time they had failed to do so since the 1986 edition.
Following spells at Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich, where he won nine major honours, Van Gaal returned to the Netherlands setup for the second time in 2012.
He helped them finish fourth at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before replacing David Moyes at Manchester United. Van Gaal spent two years at Old Trafford before taking a break from management, until the Netherlands came calling once again in 2021.
He replaced Frank de Boer following a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign and guided the Netherlands to the quarter-finals of the World Cup before losing to eventual winners Argentina on penalties.
Overall, he has taken charge of 63 matches for the Netherlands in all competitions, winning 41 (D16 L6).
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