Van Gaal let Xavi make his debut in the first team of FC Barcelona in 1998, during his first period as head coach in Catalonia. The now 42-year-old Catalan played almost his entire career for Barcelona and returned to the Camp Nou as head coach at the end of last year, after the resignation of Ronald Koeman.
According to El Mundo Deportivo, the former midfielder has regular contact with Van Gaal, because three internationals from Orange play at Barcelona with Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong. The newspaper writes that Van Gaal was “very excited” about the invitation of his former pupil and has promised to come to Camp Nou soon.
Van Gaal underwent 25 radiation treatments against prostate cancer in recent months, including during the international matches with Orange. According to him, the internationals were not aware of this. The national coach continued to work and is determined to go with the Orange to Qatar for the World Cup at the end of this year.