Louis van Gaal hits back as Netherlands coach gets accused of playing defensive football ‘like Chelsea’

During his press conference on Monday, Van Gaal was involved in an argument with Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen, who suggested that the former Manchester United manager is keen to adopt a defensive mentality with the Netherlands national team.

But Van Gaal praised Tuchel for his tactical strategy at Chelsea and believes a five-man defence offers plenty of opportunity to attack opposing teams.

‘Look at the results, look at Italy… European champions, they have now drawn twice,’ said Van Gaal.

‘It’s not all that easy. Defensive football has made its appearance and there is applause for that afterwards.’

Driessen then replied: ‘But the one applauding is you. You also want to play like Chelsea and Liverpool.’

‘It’s not all that easy. Defensive football has made its appearance and there is applause for that afterwards.’

Driessen then replied: ‘But the one applauding is you. You also want to play like Chelsea and Liverpool.’

But Van Gaal fired back: ‘Is that defensive football, in your eyes?’

Driessen replied: ‘It’s what Chelsea do.’

Van Gaal then responded: ‘Not at all, Valentijn.

Oof, the repetition mid article really made it hard for me to read this. XD

Anyway, having good defense in football is extremly important, its the base of your team, no problem with Van Gaal focusing on that at first. Beside, Netherland got enough quality upfront to make goals even with that style of gameplan, they just need to focus on their efficacity.