Louis van Gaal 'Open' To Fourth Stint As Netherlands Manager

KNVB eyes Van Gaal for fourth spell as Netherlands manager

Netherlands turn to Van Gaal as Bosz, Ten Hag, Guardiola rejections mount. Van Gaal open to returning as Netherlands coach after Koeman exit.

Van Gaal, 74, has managed the Netherlands 63 times across three spells...

Louis van Gaal is reportedly open to taking the Netherlands job for a fourth time, Dutch media reported on Monday.

The Oranje have been without a head coach since Ronald Koeman stepped down in July. The former Barcelona and Everton boss resigned after the Netherlands were knocked out in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, losing on penalties to Morocco.

The KNVB have struck out with their first choices. Attempts to bring in Peter Bosz, Erik ten Hag, Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot all failed, leaving the Dutch FA without any of their primary targets.

Van Gaal, 74, has managed the Netherlands 63 times across three spells. He was in charge at both the 2014 and 2022 World Cups finishing third in Brazil and going out to eventual winners Argentina on penalties in the 2022 quarterfinals. During his time in charge, the Netherlands won 33 matches, lost just 6, and went on a 20-game unbeaten run in his most recent tenure.

The ex-Ajax, Barcelona, Manchester United and Bayern Munich coach has been out of management since the 2022 World Cup while dealing with health problems. De Telegraaf reports he has now recovered and would be willing to take charge of the Netherlands for a fourth time.

Van Gaal had spent the last three years as an advisor on Ajax’s Supervisory Board, but left that position in July.

According to De Telegraaf, Van Gaal won’t campaign for the job himself. He would only return if the KNVB contacts him directly.

Louis van Gaal, second from left, watches from the dugout during the Netherlands’ 2022 World Cup quarterfinal vs Argentina

The Netherlands have been placed in Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League. Between September and November, they will play Germany, Serbia and Greece.