Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal hit again on Friday on the “negative” media protection of his workforce on the World Cup as they put together to face the United States within the final 16.
The 71-year-old is unbeaten in a report 10 World Cup matches as a coach, having additionally led the Dutch to a third-placed end in 2014 in Brazil, the place they misplaced to Argentina on penalties within the semi-finals.
But the Dutch press have repeatedly criticised his techniques, saying the present workforce is just too pragmatic and doesn’t play the attacking fashion for which the Netherlands first grew to become identified within the Seventies.
“In 2014 it was exactly the same, it was not different. It was very negative,” Van Gaal instructed a pre-match press convention forward of Saturday’s recreation.
“But, exact same thing now, same old, so I’m used to it and I think my players are also used to it.
“So we’re going to calmly continue on the path that we’ve embarked on.”
Van Gaal got here out of retirement final yr to educate the nationwide aspect for a 3rd time however has hinted he could possibly be open to taking one other job after the World Cup, the place he has repeatedly mentioned his workforce are aiming to develop into world champions.
The Dutch topped Group A with 2-0 victories over Senegal and Qatar and a 1-1 draw towards Ecuador.
Roberto Martinez is stepping down as Belgium coach after their shock group-stage exit following a goalless draw towards Croatia on Thursday.
Van Gaal wouldn’t rule out accepting the Belgium job if supplied to him.
“We want to be world champions so we’ve got four matches ahead of us and then we’ll see if there are any offers on the table,” he mentioned.
“If we become world champions there will be offers on the table, but we’re not world champions (yet). If I believe the Dutch media we’ll never be world champions.”
The USA, just like the Netherlands, didn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup however have impressed in Qatar, drawing with Wales and England earlier than beating Iran.
“They have an excellent team, I would say even one of the best teams,” added Van Gaal.
“It’ll be a tough match but it’s nothing we can’t overcome. We also have a good team.
“But I’m not going to downplay the USA. I think they’re an example of what a good team is. There are teams who progressed who are not good teams but who have great individual quality.”
The match on the Khalifa International Stadium kicks off the knockout part, with additional time and penalties a chance.
Van Gaal famously introduced on reserve goalkeeper Tim Krul for a shootout victory over Costa Rica in 2014, earlier than his aspect then misplaced on spot-kicks to Argentina.
“In 2014 we were the best squad on the pitch but lost because of penalties,” he mentioned.
Listen to the most recent songs, solely on JioSaavn.com
“I learned from those lessons. In order to increase those chances, we need the person who has to take the penalty to have all the confidence needed to shoot the penalty, same goes for the goalkeeper.”