Former Barcelona player Xavi has said that Louis van Gaal is an “underrated” manager, and believes that he will bring trophies to Manchester United in the future.
van Gaal arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2014, and returned the Reds to the Champions League at the first time of asking last season, but at times has been criticised for struggling to impose an attractive style of play at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, the Spanish midfielder, who made his debut under the Dutchman at the Camp Nou and went on to win almost every trophy on offer with club and country, has told Eurosport that United will attain success in the near future if they stick with him.
“Yes, of course,” the 35-year old said. “I think Van Gaal needs time to adapt. Last year he had a good season and qualified for the Champions League and he’s going to keep going because he’s a fantastic manager.”
Xavi, who is currently seeing out his career in Qatar with Al-Sadd, also shed some light on van Gaal inside the dressing room, saying that the Dutchman’s public perception isn’t what he is in reality.
“I’m very fond of him – he gave me confidence, personally speaking,” the Barcelona legend said. “As a manager he is perhaps underrated, when it comes to the media, but inside the locker room, to the players he’s a great manager.”
Comments.
Loading comments…