Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands coach, has revealed that he has prostate cancer
Even though he was having night-time therapy during four training camps, Van Gaal told the Dutch talk show “Humberto” on Sunday night that his teammates were unaware of his illness.
Louis van Gaal, the coach of the Netherlands national soccer team, has announced that he is undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer, but that he still intends to lead the team to the World Cup in Qatar in November.
Even though he was having night-time therapy during four training camps, Van Gaal told the Dutch talk show “Humberto” on Sunday night that his teammates were unaware of his illness.
“You don’t mention something like this to people you work with because it might influence their choices, their energy, or whatever, and I figured they shouldn’t know,” he explained.
He claims to have received 25 rounds of radiation therapy.
“Every term, I’ve gone to the hospital in the evening or night without the players knowing,” the 70-year-old coach explained.
Van Gaal’s first wife died of cancer.
“It’s a natural part of existence.” In my own family, with my wife, I’ve seen a lot of disease and death,” he remarked.
“I’m sure it’s enhanced me as a person because of all the experiences I’ve had with it.” Van Gaal is in his third season as coach of the Netherlands. He led the team to the 2014 World Cup semifinals in Brazil. He has also managed clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Ajax, winning the Champions League with the latter in 1995.
After testing positive for COVID-19, he was unable to attend the World Cup draw in Qatar last week. Qatar, Senegal, and Ecuador were all assigned to the Netherlands as hosts.
Van Gaal felt it was outrageous that the event was being held in Qatar ahead of the draw.
Manchester United tweeted their support for Van Gaal.
“Everyone at Manchester United is rooting for our former manager, Louis van Gaal, in his fight against cancer.” “Strength and courage to you, Louis,” the club stated.
UEFA also expressed its condolences on Twitter, while “Ons Oranje,” the official Dutch supporters site, tweeted an orange heart above a photo of Van Gaal.
