Van Gaal's name resurfaces as KNVB scrambles for new Oranje coach

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) remains without a permanent manager a month after Ronald Koeman resigned following the team's Round of 32 loss at the World Cup. High-profile candidates Peter Bosz and Erik ten Hag have ruled themselves out, and Mark van Bommel has taken the Belgian job. Unexpectedly, 74-year-old Louis van Gaal, who last coached in 2022, said his name is being mentioned because the KNVB is struggling to find a replacement and expressed willingness to assist.

Van Gaal highlighted his previous three stints with Oranje, including a third-place finish in 2014. Meanwhile, under-21 coach Michael Reiziger, who led the side to a third-place finish at the 2025 European Championships, is in talks with KNVB officials as a potential long-term choice. The federation aims to decide soon before Nations League matches against Germany, Serbia, Greece and Serbia again begin in September and October.