Ex-Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal in talks over Dutch FA role
Thursday 30 March 2017 13:12, UK
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is in talks about a senior role with the Dutch FA as it looks to revive the fortunes of a Netherlands side in crisis.
Van Gaal has not worked since he left United after winning the FA Cup last May but despite admitting in January he may not coach again, Sky Sports News HQ understands he is tempted to return to the game to help his country's governing body.
The Netherlands failed to reach Euro 2016 in France and are now in danger out missing out on the World Cup.
They are languishing fourth in their qualification group at the halfway stage, six points behind first-placed France but two behind Bulgaria in third and three behind Sweden in the prospective play-off spot.
As well as facing a battle to reach Russia 2018, the Dutch have slumped to an all-time low of 32nd in the FIFA rankings.
Danny Blind was sacked after a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Sofia deepened the gloom and Van Gaal was in the stands to watch a further 2-1 loss to Italy in a friendly in Amsterdam on Tuesday.
Van Gaal managed the Netherlands for two years from 2012 and led his side to third place in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
As a club manager, the 65-year-old won league titles at Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich but he left Old Trafford two years into a three-year contract following a fifth-placed Premier League finish and questions over the side's playing style.
