Louis van Gaal compliments the United States: ‘I see a vision and conviction among the players’ | 2022 Football World Cup

,,I see a vision, but above all the conviction of the players who go along with it. That must be good for the national coach of the United States. I have that in my group too. I’m the only one in the Netherlands who sees that, apparently. That will be up to me.”

,,I think they have developed well in recent years, with many young players. It is typically American that development is rapid. They have many talented and young players at the European top clubs. Perhaps the public in the United States did not expect this from this team, but they have shown that they have a good team. It is no surprise to me that they are in the eighth finals.”

Van Gaal is highly regarded by the Americans. ,,I think they even have one of the best teams in the tournament. Everything is well coordinated. It will be a really tough game, but it’s not insurmountable for us to win. We also have a good team. At least, I think so. The media in the Netherlands think very differently about this. But that was also the case at the 2014 World Cup, then, despite the good performances, there was also a lot of criticism of the game. I am used to that.”

“It’s not like I’m going to dismiss the United States as if they’re nothing,” Van Gaal said. “I think they are an example of a good team. There have also been countries that do not form a good team, but have great individual qualities.”

Van Gaal’s career as a trainer does not have to be over after the World Cup in Qatar. “The football world is so opportunistic that offers will come if we become world champions,” he said. The 71-year-old Van Gaal will make way for Ronald Koeman after the World Cup. Van Gaal got to the press conference questions from the Belgian media whether he wants to succeed Roberto Martínez. Martínez left after the draw of the Belgians against Croatia (0-0) and the elimination at the World Cup.

Belgium is a beautiful country with very friendly people. Knokke is a beautiful beach palace, so I have thought about it”, laughed Van Gaal, who is not entirely surprised that the Red Devils have to leave the World Cup in Qatar after the group stage. “We beat them in the last two games. It’s always about the team in my eyes, but I can’t judge that. I’m not at the training sessions, I don’t see every game. Well, the last one, they should have just won. Then they would have qualified.”

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