After spending 25 years in dugouts, former Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach Louis Van Gaal has brought his managerial career to an end. To most millennials and new-school football aficionados, the latter years of the Dutchman's career may erringly epitomize what his coaching may have been about.
However, while Van Gaal's brief episode at Manchester United may not come with many fond memories, his general contribution and honors accrued in football cannot be downplayed.
Nicknamed the 'Iron Tulip' for his stringent managerial methods, Louis Van Gaal began his decorated career by firing Ajax to three Eredivisie titles, a UEFA Cup, and a Champions League title between 1991 and 1997.
A move to Barcelona following the end of his first chapter reaped two La Liga titles, a UEFA Super Cup and a Copa Del Rey trophy in a space of three years. This was subsequently followed by an Eredivisie title for AZ Alkmaar, a league win for Bayern Munich, as well as a DFB Pokal and Supercup, all happening between 2009 and 2011.
A Third-place finish with Netherlands followed suits in 2014 before his last managerial post with Manchester United earned him the FA Cup - the Dutchman's final trophy in his career.
One cannot outline Van Gaal's achievements and leave out his knack to promote youth players to the first team. It was the case wherever he went in club management across Europe and the 67-year-old will be mostly remembered by Manchester United fans for giving 13 academy graduates their debuts in his tenure.
As witnessed in recent years, Marcus Rashford has been a revelation and so has Jesse Lingard equally repaid the club's faith in him with impressive performances having spent his early playing years on loan. Should we even get started about Anthony Martial signing?
Thanks for everything coach !! It was a honor to learn from you! pic.twitter.com/G1dYi1UJv0
— Anthony Martial (@AnthonyMartial) March 11, 2019
Thank you for opening the door & trusting in me. Enjoy retirement boss pic.twitter.com/OqrEodNlz0
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) March 11, 2019
Boisterous, headstrong, rigid and arrogant are among a bag of traits many attributed to Louis Van Gaal during his managerial stint. While there may have been pros to his style, the ex-Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager barely got away with the negative consequences of these attributes.
The most vivid one mayhap be his infamous clash with Rivaldo at Barcelona in the late 90s. Other spats with players includes Franck Ribery, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as well as Angel Di Maria and David De Gea in recent times.
All in all, while Van Gaal's final years as a manager may have been marred by a non-functional 'philosophy' and a few frictions here and there, the Dutchman verily stands tall amongst the finest managers the sport has ever been blessed with.
