Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal on Wednesday said England is likely to be the next step in his illustrious career following reports linking him to Tottenham.
The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach said a move to the Premier League would be “an interesting challenge” after he leads the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Van Gaal, in Brazil for a two-day seminar along with several other World Cup coaches, had been strongly tipped to take over at White Hart Lane following the axing of Andre Villas-Boas earlier this season.
However the 62-year-old Dutch guru said he was open to offers from other English sides.
“I am mostly interested in England because I have been a coach in Spain, Germany and in the Netherlands. So I think England is the next step,” van Gaal said.
“Spurs? Well it depends on circumstances and the vacancies. I prefer to focus on this World Cup,” concluded van Gaal, noting the Spurs hotseat was now filled by Tim Sherwood.
The Netherlands manager meanwhile tipped Manchester United striker Robin van Persie to overcome a dip in form and shine at the World Cup finals.
“Manchester may be having a difficult time now, but I think he’ll be great in the tournament as he loves to play in the Dutch squad,” he told reporters.
Van Gaal admitted however he is fearing a worst case scenario of Manchester United overcoming their current poor form and ending up in a Champions League final with Bayern.
Although such an eventuality appears unlikely given United’s domestic woes, it would deprive the Netherlands of van Persie and Bayern’s Arjen Robben.
“If Bayern Munich plays Manchester United in the final then I don’t have my players, my captains,” he complained.
With the World Cup in Brazil starting on June 12 that would see his stars have to head across the Atlantic almost immediately.
“That’s the calendar. I cannot change it – only Fifa can change it. But Fifa has to speak also with Uefa.”
Van Gaal made Brazil and Argentina his main World Cup favorites as in past tournaments on the continent South American sides have triumphed.
He said Germany also had a chance of glory but that the Spanish could suffer after being drawn in the Dutch group.
“Spain has to win first against Holland – and that will be very difficult for them,” he smiled.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The cost of Covid testing around the world
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Allardyce's management career
Clubs (10) - Limerick (1991-1992), Perston North End (1992), Blackpool (1994-1996), Notts County (1997-1999), Bolton Wanderers (1999-2007), Newcastle United (2007-2008), Blackburn Rovers (2008-2010), West Ham United (2011-2015), Sunderland (2016), Crystal Palace (2016-2017)
Countries (1) - England (2016)
England's Ashes squad
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
Racecard
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Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
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Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
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Fixtures
Wednesday
4.15pm: Japan v Spain (Group A)
5.30pm: UAE v Italy (Group A)
6.45pm: Russia v Mexico (Group B)
8pm: Iran v Egypt (Group B)
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
