JAKARTA – The coach of the Dutch national team, Louis van Gaal, gave unpleasant news. The 70-year-old tactician confirmed he had prostate cancer.

The former Manchester United boss revealed his illness on the Dutch television show, Humberto. However, he stressed that he would not step down from the chair of the Orange team coach.

"Every period during my time as manager of the national team, I used to go to the hospital at night without the players knowing it until now. Thought I was healthy. But I wasn't," he said.

"I did get preferential treatment at the hospital. I was allowed in through the back door when I made an appointment and went there and was immediately taken to another room. I have been treated wonderfully," he continued.

Van Gaal has taken over as coach of the Dutch national team for the third time. He successfully brought his country to the World Cup in Qatar 2022.

In the most prestigious four-year championship, van Gaal's squad is in Group A. In the same place are the hosts Qatar, then, Senegal, and Ecuador.

Van Gaal's coaching career spans nearly four decades. He successfully won league titles with Barcelona, ​​Ajax Amsterdam, Bayern Munich, and AZ Alkmaar.

He also spent two seasons at Manchester United. During his time at Old Trafford, he guided the club to the FA Cup title in 2016 before being sacked days later before being replaced by Jose Mourinho.


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