Mega-interview with Louis van Gaal: “I wanted to show Ajax the
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Louis van Gaal celebrates his 75th birthday. Onze Actu takes up the long interview published by VI in May 2020 where the ex-coach talks about his heritage, Michels, his retirement and his life abroad.
Why it matters
Louis van Gaal, emblematic figure of Dutch football, celebrates his 75th birthday, marking a turning point in his already legendary career. His legacy, notably at Ajax and in the Eredivisie, has shaped modern football in the Netherlands. This anniversary recalls the lasting impact of his mentor, Rinus Michels, on his vision of the game and his coaching journey.
Context
Louis van Gaal is recognized for his ability to develop talent at Ajax, an iconic club in the Eredivisie. His career has been marked by success both at club level and with the Dutch national team, where he still aspires to win the world title that has eluded him.
Key points
- Mega-interview with Louis van Gaal: “I wanted to show Ajax.
- Louis van Gaal celebrates his 75th birthday.
- Mega-interview with Louis van Gaal: 'Ik wilde bij Ajax het mooiste voetball laten zien'.
The former coach, who "looks in great shape" in his own words, lives mainly in Portugal, in the Algarve region, and also has a residence in the Swiss Alps. He says he only goes to the Netherlands occasionally, mainly to see his family. His coaching career is, according to him, definitively over: Van Gaal considers having “almost won everything” in his profession, except this title which still eludes him and which still works for him: the world championship with the Dutch selection.
The interview returns at length to the man who shaped it: Rinus Michels. Van Gaal admits his childhood admiration for the legendary technician. He recounts how, as a kid, he would go by bike to Michels' house near the De Meer stadium to try to get an autograph - a process he didn't always dare to push open the door. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to become a coach like Rinus Michels,” he says in the interview.
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This lineage partly explains his career: Van Gaal describes his time at the Academie voor Lichamelijke Opvoeding (ALO) as solid educational training. A former schoolteacher and gymnastics teacher, he insists on the importance of pedagogy in his approach to the profession, and on his desire to demand the best from his players while seeking to understand them.
On a personal level, the former coach is pragmatic. Building on his success, he organized himself financially for the future with his wife Truus: real estate investments and participation in young companies. “We bought penthouses in three countries with quality infrastructure,” confides the technician in the interview.
Finally, the article recalls one of the peaks of his European career: Ivan van Gaal's Ajax (archive photo) before the 1995 Champions League final in Vienna, won 1-0 against AC Milan — a team that included, among others, Edwin van der Sar, Clarence Seedorf, Frank Rijkaard, Finidi George, Ronald de Boer, Danny Blind, Jari Litmanen, Michael Reiziger, Edgar Davids, Marc Overmars and Frank de Boer.
This mega-interview initially published in May 2020 offers an introspective portrait of a coach who is both demanding and thoughtful, aware of his heritage and what he ultimately lacked to achieve ultimate consecration with the Oranje.
The rest
Although Van Gaal has officially ended his coaching career, his influence on Dutch football continues. Discussions around his legacy and contributions to the game, particularly in the Eredivisie, will continue to inspire future generations. Fans and football analysts look forward to further thoughts on his journey in possible future interviews.
Frequently asked questions
What was revealed in Louis van Gaal's interview?
In the interview, Louis van Gaal takes stock of his career and talks about his new life away from the field, while expressing his admiration for Rinus Michels.
Who conducted the Louis van Gaal interview?
The interview was conducted by Voetbal International in May 2020.
Why is this interview published now?
The interview is republished to mark Louis van Gaal's 75th birthday, which took place on August 8, 2026.
What changes did Van Gaal mention about his current life?
Van Gaal lives mainly in Portugal and has a residence in Switzerland, traveling to the Netherlands only to see his family.
What
what ambitions does Van Gaal still have in his career?
Van Gaal still wants to win the world championship with the Dutch selection, a title which still eludes him.
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