THE Netherlands have reappointed Louis van Gaal as their head coach until the end of 2022, they announced on Wednesday.
Van Gaal, 69, is in his third stint as his country’s head coach, after spells from 2000 to 2001 and from 2012 to 2014.
The former Manchester United, Ajax and Barcelona manager replaces Frank De Boer and will lead Netherlands in the qualifying campaign for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“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,” Van Gaal, who led his country to third place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, told the Dutch FA website.
“Moreover, I consider it an honour 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 per cent on the players and the approach. After all, I was appointed for that.
“It is good to be back. By now I have already spoken to a number of players and the technical staff has been put together.
“I am very much looking forward to getting the job done together.”
Van Gaal is one of the most successful coaches in Europe, leading a young Ajax squad to UEFA Champions League triumph in 1995.
He also won two LaLiga titles with Barcelona in the 1990s and the FA Cup with Manchester United in 2016.
He will be assisted in his new role by Danny Blind, who played under him at Ajax.
