Louis van Gaal has revealed that he intends to retire at the end of his tenure at Manchester United, when he intends to move to Portugal.
Following David Moyes’ dismal and brief spell at Old Trafford van Gaal was installed as head coach ahead of the current season, having led his native Holland to the World Cup Finals in Brazil. Prior to this, his CV also includes spells at Barcelona (twice), Bayern Munich, Ajax and AZ Alkmaar, enjoying success and silverware at each club.
His task at United is to return to them to the top four of the Premier League after last season’s seventh-place finish, a task he was expected to achieve with relevant ease having spent heavily on the likes of Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, record signing Angel di Maria, and Radamel Falcao, who arrived with the reputation as one of the world’s great strikers.
However, it has been far from straight forward for the 20-times champions. Heading into the match at Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, they do so knowing that defeat will see their great rivals overtake them in fourth position with just eight more matches left to play. On the other hand, a win at Anfield would see van Gaal’s side open up a five-point advantage.
When he arrived in Manchester in the summer the amiable Dutchman signed a three-year contract, and even if he fails to secure a UEFA Champions League berth for next season, he is expected to be given time to get things right. But it is unlikely he will stay around too long, after admitting he plans to retire and move to Portugal when his time in England is over.
“This is my last job,” he told The Telegraph. “For sure. I have to pay attention to my kids, my grandchildren but also to my wife. They deserve it. Now I cannot pay that attention. I have a paradise in Portugal. I want to quit to go there, play golf, eat fantastic food. There are very good wines in Portugal. There is the beach, the very beautiful weather. I don’t want to travel.”
