KNVB must fly to Portugal to persuade van Gaal for Dutch job

While Arne Slot has confirmed he will not pursue the Netherlands job, the Nederlands football association is being urged to board a plane to Portugal to persuade Louis van Gaal to return as head coach of the Dutch national team, a suggestion aired on Vandaag by journalist Mike Verweij.

Arne Slot said he is stepping away from the possibility of becoming the coach of Oranje, leaving the KNVB to search for an alternative candidate. The association now faces a vacancy at a critical moment.

Mike Verweij, speaking on the Kick‑off podcast of De , proposed appointing Louis van Gaal as the new bondscoach of the Nederlands elftal. He argued that van Gaal’s experience could fill the gap left by Slot.

According to Verweij, the KNVB must literally fly to Portugal to convince van Gaal one more time. The journalist stresses that a personal visit is the only way to secure his agreement.

Reiziger’s surge as Slot exits: the Netherlands' coaching dilemma

"Michael Reiziger is being mentioned a lot, but perhaps Louis is an idea for Nigel de Jong," Verweij said. He added that van Gaal has lived through two World Cups and could also enjoy an EK experience with the team.

Verweij noted that van Gaal has suffered significant health problems and it is unclear how he is faring now. He expressed uncertainty about the former coach’s current condition.

The journalist sees van Gaal as the ideal mentor for the current coach of Jong Oranje. He suggested that if the KNVB eventually wants Michael Reiziger as head coach, the youngster could spend two years shadowing van Gaal.

"Where is the KNVB waiting?" Verweij asked, pointing out that the first Nations League match is against Germany, a tough fixture that demands decisive action. He concluded that a flight to Portugal to persuade van Gaal would solve the dilemma.