Van Gaal returns for 3rd spell as Dutch national team coach

The Hague, Aug 4 (EFE).- Louis van Gaal has been appointed as the Netherlands’ national soccer team coach for the third term, the Dutch soccer federation announced Wednesday.

“Dutch football has always been close to my heart and I believe that national coaches are in a key position to further develop our football,” Van Gaal said in a statement issued by the federation.

“Moreover, I consider it an honor to coach the Netherlands national team,” he added.

Van Gaal’s first task will be preparing for three games against Norway, Montenegro and Turkey scheduled for 1-7 September, in Group G of the European qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Dutch team, currently in second, will be eyeing a first place finish, which would allow them to automatically qualify for the tournament. Turkey are now first with seven points, one ahead of the Netherlands.

“There is little time until the next qualification matches, which will be immediately crucial on the road to participating in the World Cup,” he said.

“For this reason, the focus will be 100% on the players and on our approach right from the start,” he added.

Van Gaal replaces Frank de Boer who left the role following the Dutch team’s last-16 exit against the Czech Republic at Euro 2020.

“I have already spoken to a number of players and in consultation with the KNVB, we have put together our new technical staff,” he added.

The 69-year-old was in charge of the Dutch national team on two previous occasions; between 2000 and 2001 and then between 2012 and 2014, when he steered them to third place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. EFE