Louis Van Gaal is one of the best managers for the past few decades, known for having managed some of the biggest teams in the sport. He has managed the likes of Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, all big clubs where he has won several trophies. He has also managed his country Netherlands, managing to get quite close to success.
After losing the World Cup quarterfinals to Argentina, Louis Van Gaal left the team and has not chosen his next destination yet, despite some good offers. This was surprising considering his pedigree as a manager. But now the reason has been revealed.
What type of cancer does Louis van Gaal suffer from?
Before the 2022 World Cup, Van Gaal had revealed that he was secretly battling prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is when cancer occurs within the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. The cancer itself is not dangerous, but any other underlying diseases could prove to be fatal. Considering the Dutchman is 72 years old, the cancer is hampering him a lot.
It is said that he managed the team during the World Cup qualifying campaign while wearing a catheter underneath his clothes. His players were unaware of his condition at the time. Since then, he has had to go through 25 radiation treatments and surgery sessions to help cure his deadly condition, which is said to be at an advanced stage.
Van Gaal however is not giving up, saying that, “I’ve been through a lot with illnesses, including with my own wife. So that’s just part of life. As a human being I have probably become richer because of all those experiences.”
He last underwent surgery on September 19, and is awaiting to see if it has been successful or not.
Louis van Gaal rejects Ajax’s offer
However, Van Gaal is still being sought out by many clubs, including former club Ajax. He has history with the club, having led them to multiple trophies including a Champions League during his time there. Ajax are in a tough spot currently, being 14th in the Eredivisie with just one win. A match against Feyenoord was suspended yesterday due to the team going down 3-0 within 27 minutes, after which fans broke out in riots.
Considering the state of the club and the displeasure of the fans, many thought that Van Gaal could help them back on their feet as he was also present during the suspended match. But the Dutch manager has refused any chance of coming back due to his health and condition. According to Dutch media outlet NOS, he said when asked about becoming Ajax manager, “My health comes first.”
Furthermore he does not want to manage any clubs, though he can consider returning to the national team. Germany had also recently shortlisted Van Gaal as one of the candidates to replace the outgoing manager Hansi Flick.
Louis Van Gaal therefore has no plans to return to soccer anytime soon. Whatever he chooses, we wish him a very speedy recovery.
