Louis van Gaal is annoyed that several Eredivisie clubs have indicated that they want to stop the season because of the corona crisis. The former top coach believes that the competition should simply be completed, provided that RIVM gives the green light.
“Sport is there to indicate a winner on the field. Not to say: after 25 games we cut things behind a table and Ajax is champion,” said 68-year-old Van Gaal in an interview with the AD.
“It is outrageous how the health issue is used in the discussion about ‘playing out or quitting’. The whole of the Netherlands adheres to what RIVM prescribes. They are the specialists. The government has been following the experts for weeks, but then what football clubs suddenly say that it is not possible. “
In any case, the Eredivisie will stand still until June 1, but UEFA urges the national federations to finish the competitions in July and August. Although the KNVB wants to wait with a final decision, there are already many clubs in the Netherlands that want to quit.
“I’m a boy who can’t stand that”
Ajax, through director of football affairs Marc Overmars, was the first club to take a position and ruled that the season should not be completed. Close attacker AZ, number four PSV and a number of low-level flyers are of the same opinion.
“The clubs that do not want to finish the league are now in a European place or in the relegation zone,” an irritated Van Gaal sees. “Clubs that misuse this corona crisis for their own gain and then make it a public health statement; I’m a boy who can’t stand it.”
According to the former national team coach of the Dutch national team, it is a great idea to finish the competitions in the summer, provided the corona crisis is over. “There is plenty of time this summer now that the European Championship has been moved. And if UEFA and FIFA are willing to change the rules and offer space, well then get started.”
Follow the latest developments around the virus in the sports world in us live blog.
The coronavirus in short
- The coronavirus mainly spreads from person to person via sneezing and cough drops. The chance of becoming infected through surfaces such as door handles is small. This chance decreases if you wash your hands often.
- You can considerably reduce the chance of spreading by keeping at least 1.5 meters away from others.
- The corona measures have resulted in an infected person infecting less than one other person on average. Previously, this so-called reproduction number was between two and three.
- The vast majority of patients have mild (flu-like) complaints.
- Almost all deaths involve the elderly or other vulnerable persons, such as heart, lung or diabetes patients. If everyone complies with the measures, this reduces their risks.
- Read here what precautions you should take.
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