Van Gaal did not reveal this information to his players during the recent international break in order to ensure that it did not have an impact on their performance.
Follow Us
The Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has announced that he is suffering from prostate cancer and he is receiving treatment for the same. Van Gaal, who is a former Manchester United manager, is currently in his third spell with the Dutch national team. He helped them qualify for the 2014 World Cup, where they finished third. Back then, they lost to Argentina in the semifinals via penalties before beating hosts Brazil 3-0 to secure a third place finish. Right after the World Cup, he left for Manchester United. He has also managed, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Ajax in the past.
The Dutchman on Sunday revealed his condition on the Dutch TV programme Humberto. Further, the 70-year-old stated that he did not reveal this information to his players during the recent international break in order to ensure that it did not have an impact on their performance. “I didn’t want to tell it to my players because it could have influenced their performances,” he added, as quoted by BBC.
“In each period during my time as manager of the national team I had to leave in the night to go to the hospital without the players finding it out until now. While thinking I was healthy, but.. I am not.”
Van Gaal revealed these details during an interview to promote a new film about his life. He added: “I’ve been through a lot with illnesses, including with my own wife. So that’s just part of life. [I] as a human being have probably become richer because of all those experiences.”
READ MORE – Louis van Gaal slams FIFA for hosting the World Cup in Qatar
After Louis van Gaal revealed his battle with cancer, clubs and players have offered support to the Dutchman.
Everybody at Manchester United is fully behind our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his battle against cancer.
Sending you strength and courage, Louis ❤️ pic.twitter.com/axcB7mV5To
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 3, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers go out to former Barça manager Louis van Gaal, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Stay strong, Louis, and get well soon. ? pic.twitter.com/uE5SzstOHR
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 3, 2022
Earned my debut from LVG. Will forever be indebted. You can fight this. We are all behind you ♥️ https://t.co/ar2qc9JfFW
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) April 4, 2022
On behalf of the European football community, we send our very best wishes to Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, who has announced he is battling prostate cancer.
❤️ We’re all with you, Louis. pic.twitter.com/i71UqYNgur
— UEFA (@UEFA) April 4, 2022
In recent years, van Gaal was known for his second stint with the Dutch national team followed by a two-year spell in the Premier League with Manchester United. Finishing third in the 2014 World Cup is a respectable achievement. The Netherlands first defeated then defending champions Spain in the opening group match and finally beat hosts Brazil to secure the third place.
At Manchester United, he faced a lot of hurdles. He began a total rebuild by letting go of many players and signing a large number of new players. His style of play was criticised by many experts and fans but the results were not terrible.
United finished in the top four places during his first year and won the FA Cup in the second year. However, the Red Devils failed to book a Champions League place in his second season, which led to his departure from the club.
Besides, van Gaal also maanaged clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AZ Alkmaar and Ajax. It was with Ajax that he won the 1995 Champions League title.
