The Dutch football Association has said that former Bayern Munich manager Luis van Gaal will be taking over as the national team manager from Bert van Marwijk, who resigned from his position after a very disappointing Euro 2012. The Dutch came into the Euro 2012 as one of the favourites to lift the title after having reached the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The form of players like Robin van Persie especially made the Netherlands one of the favourites to win the title. However, the finished bottom of group and were eliminated after losing all the three group matches.
Bert van Marwijk immediately announced his resignation from the post. The Dutch national team were without a manager up until now. The football Association has been looking at various alternatives, but they have now appointed the former Bayern Munich manager Luis van Gaal as a replacement for Bert van Marwijk. The 60-year-old will be returning to the national team’s second spell after having previously been in charge of the team for two years from 2000-2002. One of the first tasks for Luis van Gaal will be to make the Dutch formidable once again. He will get the best opportunity to do so in the qualifying campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
“We are delighted to be working with each other. We looked for a trainer with a wealth of experience and who stood out on both a personal and professional level. Van Gaal has a proven track record nationally and internationally and we know him to be a devoted and very passionate coach,” said the football Association director Bert van Oostveen after confirming the appointment of Luis van Gaal. “I am pleased the KNVB have approached me. This is the challenge I have waited for,” said van Gaal.