Louis van Gaal has once again got the laughs on the hand with his command of English. A journalist from Manchester was present at the press conference after the game between Telstar and Jong AZ (1-0). He asked Van Gaal how important it is to keep an eye on football at lower levels, taking into account the changes at the top – the proposed Super League, the plans to host a World Cup every two years.
“I think the education of footballers is always very important,” Van Gaal said. “The vision of the club is also important. How do you want to train your youngest players? In England it is a bit simpler, because they have enough money. This club does not have the money to set up a fantastic youth academy. That is a big problem “But in England every club has its own youth academy. The vision behind the youth academy is important.”
Louis van Gaal in English remains ‘another cook’. ?? “You can answer me” pic.twitter.com/WNYNkacTwG
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) September 24, 2021
“He should be in the club from bottom to…”, said Van Gaal, raising his arm. He hoped the journalist would finish his sentence. “You may answer.” The journalist responded: “To the highest level, in the DNA.” Van Gaal agreed: “Yes, in the DNA. That is very important.” He points out which Dutch clubs, in his opinion, have a good vision of the youth academy. He spoke about ‘several clubs’ and specifically mentioned AZ and Ajax.
“There are several clubs in the Netherlands. AZ, Ajax, and…”, said Van Gaal in English, after which he turned to Andries Jonker and continued in half-Dutch: “Well, I think AZ and Ajax, do you think more? Do you think PSV too?” Jonker, who performed the trainership together with Van Gaal against Jong AZ, added: “They have been doing quite well the last few years. Gakpo…” “Yes, but… okay, Gakpo”, concludes Van Gaal.
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