World Cup 2022: That would be a blast despite the end of a career! Van Gaal open to THIS job | Sports

Flying change for Louis van Gaal (71)?

Van Gaal’s third term as Bonds coach ended with the elimination of the Dutch national team in the quarter-finals of the World Cup against Argentina (5:6 on penalties). The ex-Bayern coach (2009 to 2011) announced after the Qatar exit that he would let his contract as national coach expire at the end of the year.

Van Gaal: “I will not continue as national coach, that was my last game in my third term.” Ronald Koeman (59) has already been confirmed as his successor.

But despite the end of his career, van Gaal left the door open for a return to international coaching.

Van Gaal, who beat prostate cancer earlier this year: “I’ve finished my career, but if Portugal want me, I’ll listen. That’s all I have to say. I don’t want you to think I’m offering myself.”

The post of national coach of Portugal became vacant after the 2016 European champions lost the World Cup. After the surprising elimination in the quarterfinals against Morocco (0:1), the association pulled the ripcord and threw coach Fernando Santos (68) out early.

But van Gaal is apparently not the first choice. As the Portuguese newspaper “A Bola” reports, José Mourinho (59) is the favorite for the job.

Problem: His contract with AS Roma runs until the summer of 2024, only then could he take over the team. Until then, Portugal’s U-21 national coach Rui Jorge (49) should train.

It would be Mourinho’s first post as national coach after numerous positions at club level (including Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham).

How things will continue with van Gaal and whether he will return to the big football stage is still in the stars…