Van Gaal announced during the press conference on Tuesday afternoon that he had shown the the Dutch players a motivational video in the run-up to the away game against Norway. The images include the long rehabilitations of Depay and Virgil van Dijk. “It brought tears to my eyes,” said the national coach. Van Gaal welcomed his selection on Monday in the run-up to the upcoming three World Cup qualifiers.
“When the players came in, I received them in the meeting room. And not only the players, but also the staff members, in the same room,” Van Gaal said at the press moment on Tuesday. “I discussed the topic of teamwork. I think the best team wins, not the collection of individual qualities. I tried to evoke that spirit by proclaiming my vision and regime. Whether players want to accept that or not. In those two days I have so many days to address players about it that team building will come naturally,” said Van Gaal.
“If you accompany that with a video, it will bring tears to my eyes,” reveals the candid national coach. “There was also an image of the Olympic Games and of the rehabilitations of Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay. Behind each image was my message. In the 4×400 meters men at the Olympic Games, the second runner of the Netherlands ran 44.7, while he normally runs 45.6. That second is the difference, that he runs in a team. And of course I also know that the flying start plays a role, but it says something that he can run so fast in a team. A team gives added value for the individual quality that someone possesses,” Van Gaal believes.
Van Gaal is satisfied with the selection of the Dutch for the time being, which he describes as a ‘happy and involved’ group. “Actually, the players have made it clear to me that they also want to contribute something themselves. I always think that is great”, he hands out a compliment. “I always went to players to ask what they wanted and what vision they had. I just notice that they can and dare to bear that responsibility, but that it must be made clear how you can carry it. Because we only have two players. days, I try to stay as close as possible to the nature of the players. Then it’s just wonderful that players show themselves like this,” said the delighted Van Gaal.