The Netherlands national team has seen its share of impactful managers, but according to Kees Jansma, a former press officer for Oranje, Louis van Gaal stands above the rest. Jansma, who worked closely with Van Gaal during his time with the national team, lauded the coach’s meticulous preparation and ability to instill confidence in every player.
Jansma’s assessment comes from a recent appearance on the podcast De Maaskantine, where he reflected on his years working alongside prominent Dutch coaches including Dick Advocaat, Marco van Basten, and Bert van Marwijk. But, it was Van Gaal who drew the most emphatic praise. “He is truly the best there has ever been,” Jansma stated, as reported by Sportnieuws.nl. “He’s a perfectionist. Someone who anticipates everything in advance. He gives players an enormous amount of self-confidence – every player, from number 23 to number one on the list, has complete faith in him. That was truly Louis van Gaal.”
Jansma’s perspective is particularly valuable given his behind-the-scenes access during critical periods for the Dutch national team. He served as the team’s press officer from 2004 to 2014, a decade that included participation in multiple major tournaments, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It was at that tournament that Jansma witnessed Van Gaal’s tactical acumen firsthand, offering a specific example that highlighted the coach’s detailed approach.
During the 2014 World Cup match against Mexico, Dirk Kuijt was deployed in a remarkably versatile role, playing no fewer than five different positions throughout the game. According to Jansma, this wasn’t a spontaneous decision. “Van Gaal had written down all five positions in a compact booklet and shown it to Kuijt beforehand,” Jansma explained. “These are all the possibilities for you today, and this is what you necessitate to pay attention to.” This level of preparation, Jansma suggests, was characteristic of Van Gaal’s management style.
However, Jansma also acknowledged that Van Gaal’s demanding nature wasn’t always simple. “He was annoying, of course,” Jansma said with a touch of humor, “but we found that very amusing and had a lot of fun with it. But as a coach, he was unparalleled.” This suggests a complex relationship built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to success, even if it involved navigating a sometimes-challenging personality.
The anecdote about Kuijt’s positional flexibility illustrates a broader point about Van Gaal’s tactical flexibility and his willingness to adapt to opponents. This ability to adjust strategies on the fly, combined with his meticulous preparation, contributed to the Netherlands’ strong performance at the 2014 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals. The tournament also showcased Van Gaal’s ability to manage a diverse squad and extract the best from each player.
Jansma also revealed a lesser-known aspect of Van Gaal’s leadership: his reliance on trusted confidants. He recounted a situation leading up to the 2014 World Cup where Van Gaal sought Jansma’s assistance in persuading Wesley Sneijder to join the squad. Sneijder was struggling with fitness, and Van Gaal was concerned about his availability. Jansma, leveraging his good relationship with the midfielder, played a mediating role, a period Sneijder later playfully teased him about. This demonstrates Van Gaal’s willingness to utilize his network and seek counsel from those he trusted.
Beyond his work with the Dutch national team, Louis van Gaal has enjoyed a distinguished managerial career, taking charge of prominent clubs such as Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United. His methods, often described as direct and uncompromising, have consistently yielded results, earning him a reputation as one of the most successful and influential coaches in modern football. His impact extends beyond trophies and accolades; he’s known for developing young talent and implementing innovative tactical systems.
The broader context of Dutch football in recent years has seen a search for consistent success. While the Netherlands boasts a rich footballing tradition, they haven’t consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments. The appointment of coaches like Bert van Marwijk and Dick Advocaat, as mentioned in reports from November 2025 regarding Advocaat’s success, highlights the ongoing effort to replicate the achievements of past generations. Van Gaal’s legacy, as highlighted by Jansma, serves as a benchmark for future managers of the national team.
Looking ahead, the Dutch national team will be looking to build on its recent performances and qualify for future tournaments. The insights from figures like Kees Jansma provide valuable context and understanding of the qualities required to lead the team to success. The next major tournament for the Netherlands is the UEFA European Championship in 2028, providing a clear checkpoint for assessing the team’s progress.
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