Louis van Gaal returns as Netherlands manager for a third time

Louis van Gaal is back as Netherlands manager for a third time and will get to work immediately after the departure of Frank de Boer.

De Boer, who convincingly led the Oranje to Euro 2020 after a successful qualification campaign, left the position after a shock 2-0 defeat to Czech Republic in the round of 16.

Van Gaal had emerged as the front runner for the vacant position and on Tuesday, the KNVB confirmed his return where he’ll be joined by assistant coaches Danny Blind and Henk Fraser, and goalkeeper coach Frans Hoek.

The former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United manager will lead the Dutch up to and during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Van Gaal said in the announcement: “Dutch football has always been close to my heart and national coaching is in my view a key position for the further advancement of our football. Moreover, I consider it an honor to coach the Dutch national team.

“There is little time for the next qualifying matches, which are immediately crucial for participation in the World Cup. The focus is therefore immediately 100 percent on the players and the approach. After all, I was appointed for that. It is good to be back in Zeist.

“By now I have already I have spoken to a number of players and the technical staff has been put together with the KNVB. I am very much looking forward to getting the job done together.”

Van Gaal was the head coach of the Oranje two times previously between 2000 and 2002, as well as 2012 and 2014, where he guided the Netherlands to a third-place finish at the World Cup in Brazil seven years ago.