With its spot in the World Cup already clinched, the Netherlands is using the March international window for a pair of friendlies against Denmark and Germany in Amsterdam.
While Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay were arriving at the KNVB Campus in Zeist on Monday, 70-year-old manager Louis van Gaal was giving a customarily unfiltered press conference on player selection, his choice for national team successor and the prospect of a World Cup in Qatar.
Van Gaal didn't hold back when asked to discuss the host nation.
"I think it's ridiculous that the World Cup is there. We are playing in a country where FIFA says they want to help develop football. That is bullshit," Van Gaal said. "But it doesn't matter. The tournament in Qatar is about money and commercial interest. That is what matters to FIFA."
The Dutch manager then said he would always resist joining a FIFA committee.
"Why do you think I'm not on any committee at FIFA or UEFA with my expertise?" Van Gaal asked. "Because I have always opposed these kinds of organizations."
Van Gaal said he is part of a KNVB commission that meets every month to evaluate the ongoing situations involving human rights and working conditions in Qatar. The KNVB released a statement on the World Cup in Qatar after a Guardian article back in February of 2021 revealed that more than 6,500 migrant workers had died since the country won hosting rights.
The statement stressed how "the KNVB has never been in favor of holding the World Cup in Qatar" while also outlining the football association's approach to the tournament, where they've promised to support "projects for migrant workers and women in Qatar" while "continuing to demand attention from the government in Qatar."
Louis van Gaal isn't disappointing the Netherlands' governing body with his previous statement — he's helping to fulfill its mission.
The former Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager will return to retirement after the World Cup, but Van Gaal said Monday he's already recommended his successor to the KNVB: Ronald Koeman.
Koeman rejuvenated the Netherlands and took them to the last 16 of Euro 2020 before taking the Barça job. Koeman's now out of work, but Van Gaal said he'd be the sensible and justifiable selection for Euro 2024 in Germany. Talks have reportedly already been opened between the KNVB and Koeman.
The main talking point on the latest Netherlands squad was the exclusion of 19-year-old Ajax phenom Ryan Gravenberch, who's instead been selected for U-21 service as that group targets a place at the 2023 U-21 European Championship.
Gravenberch already has 10 senior caps, but Van Gaal said this will be "a test for him" while also pointing out that with a year to go before the World Cup, younger players still have a chance to evolve and make their case.
