Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has come out and given a scathing statement blaming the English press for making up “awful and horrible” stories of him quitting his post at Old Trafford. Reports in the past week had said that the Dutchman had offered to resign following a 1-0 loss to Southampton in the Premier League.
The loss at home was the Red Devils’ sixth league loss of the season and left them 10 points behind league leaders Leicester City after initially topping the table in September. The final whistle was accompanied by loud boos from the home fans and the 64-year-old manager had admitted he had failed the Old Trafford faithful.
Reports had suggested that Van Gaal had met Ed Woodward, the club’s executive vice-chairman, and offered to resign after which Woodward told him to discuss it with his family first. But he has come out and dismissed those claims ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie with Derby County this Friday.
Third time I have been ‘sacked’ now: Van Gaal
It comes as no surprise that Van Gaal is now sick and tired of the English press, having to refute various stories about his future time and again. And he was not in a good mood at the press conference.
“I have not mentioned [resigning] ever,” Van Gaal said. “You make your own stories, and then I have to answer. I am not doing that.
“I think it is awful and horrible that you can write, and then I have to answer questions on those stories. People are believing those stories, and I am very concerned that people are believing it. I receive lots of calls and messages.
Van Gaal also admonished the reporters, claiming they had no sense of responsibility for what was published.
“But okay, it is this world. You can write what you want and you don’t have to fear anything. It is the third time I am sacked [according to reports] and I am still sitting here for you, and I am obliged to do that.
“I have certain people I like because they put a question in a very respectful way. But a lot of people ask in a disrespectful way.”
Van Gaal has Woodward’s support
The United manager also spoke about the support he received from Woodward during turbulent times at the club as they lost their way even in the race for the top four spot. The Red Devils are currently fifth – five points behind Tottenham Hotspur who hold the fourth and final Champions League spot.
“It is fantastic that Ed supports me,” Van Gaal explained. “When the board has such confidence in you, then the pressure is much higher than when they say, ‘It is your last game’ or something like that.
“When you can fight you have a bigger motivation. I am always fighting. I always have faith in myself.
Betting sites have already placed odds on Van Gaal getting the sack if they lose to Derby on Friday night. And Van Gaal understands the pressure of not losing any more games.
“If we lose then it is worse, and I predicted that before the Southampton game. I cannot lose more because I am condemned for a fourth time to the sack.” – Van Gaal
“If you lose again, certainly in the last minute, then you are fed up. I don't think how we have played is always the main issue. You can play badly and win, or play very good and lose - then you are more fed up.
"It's also your duty as a manager and as a player to stand up again and do what you have to do, because that's a professional attitude."
