Patrick Kluivert, who played under the Dutchman at Ajax and Barcelona, says his former manager still needs time at Old Trafford
Louis van Gaal has kept his job at Manchester United because of his reputation, according to Patrick Kluivert.
The 64-year-old has faced intense pressure over United’s playing style, early Champions League exit and their fading Premier League title challenge this season, while Jose Mourinho continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
But Kluivert, who played under Van Gaal at Ajax and Barcelona before eventually becoming the Dutchman’s assistant with the Netherlands national team at the 2014 World Cup, insists United need to give their manager time.
“If his name were not Louis van Gaal, maybe he would have lost his job by now,” the former striker told ESPN.
“When you look at the previous guy at Man United [David Moyes], he was not given so much time. So if he didn't have as big a name, maybe things would have been over for him much quicker.
“They still have chances to enjoy a good season, but we know the pressure of being at a club as big as Man United.
“You have to be successful or you cannot stay. From my experience working with him as a player and then an assistant coach, I still say Louis is one of the best managers in the game. He needs time and I hope they give it to him.”
When asked what he lesson he would take from working with Van Gaal, Kluivert replied: “You need to be honest with players. “If you are not honest and things don't go so well, then you have no chance to get the players back on your side. You need to look players straight in their eyes and appreciate that they want you to tell them the truth. There can be no other agendas.”
- Goal