How to Manage the Dutch National Team: the Three Assignments

CCHHAAPPTTEERR 33 How to Manage the Dutch National Team: The Three Assignments

©SoccerTutor.com 20 Louis van Gaal’s Philosophy & Practices How to Manage the Dutch National Team: The Three Assignments

‘Everything I say is intended to motivate players.’

Louis van Gaal: “Everything I say is the position I have in mind for him in the intended to motivate players. They need to team. The latter is important to mention. strive to be even better as a footballer. Gertjan Verbeek was apparently mad when That’s also the starting point of every we told Maher in such a conversation that evaluation. As coach of the national team we would like him to function as a number it’s an easier part of your job than for a 10, while he played as a right midfielder at coach of a club, but still equally important. AZ at that time. Within the system that AZ At Bayern Mu nchen I evaluated the applies, and considering the players progress of tḧ e process with my players, Verbeek had at his disposal, it was usually two or three times a week. Then you understandable that he was positioned on have to think even more about the tone, the right of the midfield at his club. But at number of times, duration and form, the Dutch national team we’re dealing with otherwise they drift away. With the players other players. Therefore, it’s possible that of the Dutch national team I obviously have we as a staﬀ use the qualities of a player for less evaluation time, but that’s also a diﬀerent position than he’s used to at his something players are still not looking club.” forward to. Danny, Patrick and I then usually say it like it is, but we’ve told the But what if Alex Ferguson decided all of a players; ‘Don’t consider it as personal sudden to permanently play Van Persie on criticism, but as us reaching out to help you the left, would that have any consequences become an even better football player.’ I for him regarding his position as a striker in inform every new player in the squad on the Dutch national team? which grounds I selected him, in relation to

©SoccerTutor.com 33 Louis van Gaal’s Philosophy & Practices How to Manage the Dutch National Team: The Three Assignments

‘Against Andorra we applied pressure everywhere on the pitch, because we knew that we would gain possession back again rapidly.’

Louis van Gaal: “At that moment you have like Lens, Robben, Narsingh, Schaken and to consider that amongst your coaching Van Persie. The proof got delivered, as team. It's conceivable that Van Persie would weird as that may sound, against Andorra. be positioned on the left in our weekly line- We applied pressure everywhere on the up form in such a situation as well. On that pitch because we knew that we would win position, he then gets compared to other back possession again rapidly. In the end it players. But that's not relevant now and I didn't yield too much. Against a stronger don't really like those types of speculations. Romanian side we first created the space I leave that to the media." and afterwards, we profited from the speed of our forwards. This proved to be a lot more eﬀective. That's how I've played with STYLE OF PLAY AZ as well for four years, but it was hardly recognised. Everybody said we purely I would like to know a bit more about the played attacking football, but that wasn't style of play and the choices you make. Is it the case. We played attractive football correct when I say that you let the defensive when we had possession with quick and block push backwards a bit further than deep movement, but also at AZ we had to van Marwijk when the opposition have first create conditions to make this possible possession? when the opposition had possession of the Louis van Gaal: “Yes, and I do this because ball. that choice fits the qualities of this group of players the best. We first create space to That's also the subtle change I would like to make optimal use of the speed of players apply with the Dutch national team to the

©SoccerTutor.com 34 Louis van Gaal’s Philosophy & Practices CHAPTER SUMMARY AND LOUIS VAN GAAL QUOTES

STAFF

• Louis van Gaal believes the most important starting point, if you start a new challenge as a head coach, is the composition of your staff. • ‘Yes-men are useless. Based on their expertise and strong arguments, each staff member should feel free to share another opinion if he thinks that it fits the stated, common vision and framework.’ • ‘The players and staff have to speak the same football language regardless.’ • ‘Obviously I’ve discussed my rules with the other staff members first. They’ve made some additions, but also erased a few things. Therefore, we could present a version which each staff member agreed with. These rules were also supported by visuals.’

THE THREE ASSIGNMENTS

1. Playing recognisable football according to the Dutch football philosophy. 2. On our way to Brazil the youth has to be integrated. 3. The Dutch people should be able to identify themselves again with the Dutch national team. FITNESS

• Mental fitness is as important as physical fitness. • Every Netherlands player on the pitch has to be 100% fit for the team to achieve their goals. There is only an exception here if you have a player like Messi. SCOUTING AND VIDEO ANALYSIS

• Louis van Gaal and his coaches use video analysis and scout reports to discuss the best players based on performance for the current playing system his team is using.

After this they know the current strongest possible Dutch team and who's in form and who isn't.

©SoccerTutor.com 37 Louis van Gaal’s Philosophy & Practices A Unique Opportunity to Learn from one of the World's Best Coaches

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