Louis van Gaal Open to Fourth Spell as Netherlands Coach

Louis van Gaal, the 74‑year‑old former manager of Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, has indicated he is ready to return to the Netherlands national team after recovering from prostate cancer diagnosed in 2022. The Dutch FA (KNVB) is without a head coach following Ronald Koeman’s resignation after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Van Gaal, who previously led the Oranje in three separate spells (2000‑01, 2012‑14, 2021‑22) and oversaw 63 matches, including a third‑place finish at the 2014 World Cup, says his health issues are now a thing of the past and he feels fitter than ever.

The KNVB’s search has so far seen preferred candidates such as Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag, Peter Bosz and Pep Guardiola decline the role, while former Dutch international Michael Reiziger has been in extended talks with the federation. Van Gaal would consider the job only if formally approached, and he remains open to other national‑team offers should the Dutch vacancy not materialise.