Nothing scares Louis van Gaal after the Netherlands manager – recently appointed David Moyes’ Manchester United successor – spoke about the pressure of managing an underachieving football nation.
Van Gaal, who in nine days time will watch on as the Dutch take on Spain in their World Cup opener, heads to Brazil hoping to land the 1988 European champions their first Jules Rimet trophy.
The Netherlands made the final four years ago in South Africa – their third runners-up finish after 1974 and 1978 – though Van Gaal feels his countrymen heap too much stress on the players ahead of the biggest tournaments.
“The purpose is to win the World Cup and the purpose of the board is the semi finals. I think it’s a big purpose – the purpose is maybe too big an expectation,” said Van Gaal.
“This team can beat all, but we can also lose. That’s sport and we accept that but it’s difficult for the Dutch people to accept.”
The 62-year-old, who led Ajax to Champions League glory in 1995 and has tonnes of experience from his days at Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich, said he was harder on himself than others so he could cope with the stress and strains of the big time.
“You do not know Louis Van Gaal! I give myself more pressure than anyone else. I will always win.”
Van Gaal has some uneasiness however over the fitness of United striker Robin van Persie, who has yet to return to tip-top shape following a knee injury layoff in March.
The Dutchman has played just three times since he was stretchered off against Olympiakos in the Champions League, though goals for his country in recent friendlies against Ecuador and Ghana have given Van Gaal some hope that his key forward will reach full fitness in Brazil.
“I think he will be 100%. He is coming out of injury but we built him already up in our federation, our medical department.”
The Netherlands also face Australia on June 18 and Chile five days later in Group B.
Main image courtesy of OnsOranje via YouTube, with thanks.
