Quotes About Van Gaal

It has been an honor to manage such a magnificent club as Manchester United FC, and in doing so, I have fulfilled a long-held ambition.

The trainer I learned most from about the field of play was Van Gaal, even though he's the one I've had the most confrontations with - well, disagreements. He's got an obsession with work ethic, the way he plans.

He gave a different edge to the defensive side of the game and that is where Barça became strong and attractive: losing the ball but then, within five seconds, trying to win it back. The principle is simple and comes from as far back as van Gaal: after losing the ball there are five seconds of pressure to win it back; if it isn't recovered, the defensive phase would begin and players should quickly drop back.

The wrong team wanted me, by the way - of course United. I spoke with Van Gaal, and they even made an offer, but for me, it was not the right club and not the right moment.

When we talk my biggest influence, I have to say Van Gaal. He threw me in the deep end.

I'm grateful to Van Gaal: he brought me to United and I played 71 games so I wouldn't say a bad word.

Louis van Gaal is a big manager, very experienced.

I spoke with Van Gaal, and he said that I only had a one per cent chance of playing in my position, so I headed to Bayer.

Van Gaal is the best coach I've had. We've got a very special relationship.

Van Gaal was always very intensive with his tactics. You had to work more with your head than your legs.

Van Gaal gave me all the confidence I could ask for. He made me striker, my favorite position.

Van Gaal is how you see him in the press conferences; he's like that with us, too. He's honest and straightforward. He believes in his style of training and way of preparing for games.

It was a great experience under Van Gaal. He gave you the confidence to go and play.

Van Gaal is really a man with personality.

Van Gaal is a teacher, pays attention to everything you do, but Hiddink is more linked to the players. He gives more freedom than Van Gaal, but I worked with both of them pretty well.

The big clubs will always talk about the same names such as Ancelotti, Mourinho, and Wenger. Louis Van Gaal is always in there as well. He has his own style and is a very determined man. He knows exactly what he wants. He's got direction, the ability and experience at big clubs such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

When you bring Van Gaal in the house, you bring in quality. But you also bring in someone who thinks he knows everything. And that will cause clashes.

I remember Louis van Gaal wearing a tie for every press conference. It must have left an impression because I like to look smart even if I get a bit of stick.

I already worked with Van Gaal before at the Under-20 team back in 2001. He hasn't changed much as a coach since. He really stands out.

You have expectations always when you buy players. Mostly, you have positive expectations.