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?"
🗣 "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."Louis van Gaal responds to criticisms of Netherlands style of football #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/URfPFjWCZhNovember 30, 2022
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.
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