World Cup 2022: Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal tells critical journalist to 'go home'

Louis van Gaal speaks during a press conference at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar on 29 November, 2022.
(Image credit: FIFA via Getty Images)

World Cup 2022 has been full of surprises so far – but Louis van Gaal has remained true to form, giving one critical reporter a piece of his mind.

The Netherlands head coach showed his famously sharp tongue after Tuesday's 2-0 win over Qatar – which saw the Dutch advance to the last 16 as Group A winners – with some strong words for a journalist who took issue with his style of football.

Told that watching his side was like "grinding teeth", Van Gaal responded:

"I think you have a different perspective on football than I have. Why don't you write it down that you think it's terribly boring and you're going home tomorrow?"

Van Gaal – who is in his first stint as manager of his country and will step down after the World Cup – has already had quite an eventful time in press conference at Qatar 2022.

Following the Oranje's 2-0 victory against Senegal in their tournament opener, the 71-year-old rewarded a Senegalese journalist with a hug for expressing his admiration for the legendary coach.

He has also remained insistent that the Netherlands – who, despite the individual brilliance of Cody Gakpo, who scored in all three group games, have flattered to deceive – can win the competition. They face the USA in the last 16 on Saturday.

Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...

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