During a book signing for his autobiography at the Amsterdam ArenA, 75-year-old Dutch football legend Louis van Gaal discussed his book, whether his coaching career will continue, and the appointment of Xavi as head coach of the Netherlands national team.

What do you feel about holding this book signing today at the Amsterdam ArenA?

Well, I visit the ArenA quite often, but not usually for book signings. I'm here for my publisher today. It's truly remarkable that people are willing to stand in line for two hours just to get an autograph. It's also a great honour for me.

What was the most interesting question or comment you received today?

Actually, it was from an elderly gentleman who came for an autograph and told me an entire story from 50 years ago—and it was all true. I think that's wonderful. He also waited two hours just to share his story with me. That's really special.

What new content can we read in this updated edition that wasn't in the original?

The book includes material about the World Cup in Qatar, which was actually my last job as head coach of the national team. You can read about whether Louis van Gaal still applies the concept of the "total person"; there's content about that.

I have a feeling there could be another edition in the future because you still seem so energetic. You also said you feel healthier than ever, especially compared to a few years ago.

That's true. I really am much more energetic now. But the football world won't wait for a 75-year-old coach, even if I look like I'm only 55.

Do you really think so?

I still look quite young and energetic.

Yes, I think good opportunities could come in the future.

I don't think so. I don't think so. Nobody needs me anymore.

So regarding your coaching career, would you say your football journey is complete?

No, never say never. You never know what might happen. If a national team approaches me and I believe I can make a difference, I would genuinely consider it. But the main condition is that they must have the strength to win the World Cup.

Now we also know that your protégé, in a way, has inherited your role by becoming the new head coach of the Netherlands national team. What were your thoughts when you heard this news?

Xavi, I've known him for a long time. He was an extremely talented player. As a midfielder, that's an advantage for a coach, because a midfielder sees the entire field very well. I was the same; I was also a midfielder. He was too, and he played at a much higher level than I did, so that's his advantage. But the advantage he doesn't have is that I had systematic training in coaching theory, and he doesn't. It's extremely difficult to coach abroad without systematic training. I have too many examples of former players who failed as coaches abroad; I don't want that to happen to Xavi, but it's possible. However, as a person, I think very highly of him. He will implement the attacking football style of Ajax or Barcelona again. And I must say, the Netherlands currently have a very strong squad. When I was the national team coach, 60% of the players played in the Dutch league, and in Qatar it was 50%. Do you know how many now?

No idea.

Now only Wout Weghorst and Guus Til remain as backup players; all the others play in foreign leagues. This means the Netherlands national team has a very strong squad. So I'm happy for him, and I hope he will play attacking football, because that's what I like to see as well.

We don't have a crystal ball and can't predict the future, nor can we yet make a final judgment about his work as head coach. But if we assume he writes an autobiography in the future, how would you like his time coaching Barcelona to be described?

Then I hope he goes further than I did, so he can become World Cup champion. That would be wonderful for the Dutch people as well.

By then your eyes will surely light up again as you watch your protégé's achievements with the Netherlands.

He is not my protégé. He became a head coach on his own.

But you must understand that we will still more or less consider him your protégé.

As a player, he certainly was my protégé; I can't deny that. But now, as a coach, I don't know him as a coach. So I can't judge him in that regard. That's why I say: I know him as a person, and he's a very good person.

Переведено ИИ.

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