sport news Louis van Gaal's last dance! A look back at the Holland manager's career ahead ... trends now
Louis van Gaal has seen most things in football, but after coming out of retirement for one final shot at glory with Holland, he now has the chance to wrap up his glittering managerial career with the ultimate triumph.
The Dutchman is currently in his third spell as boss of the national side having previously taken charge of Holland between 2000-2001 and 2012-2014, but this time it feels different.
At 71 and after recently battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer, this winter's World Cup in Qatar looks certain to be Van Gaal's last dance. Few would begrudge him bowing out by lifting the trophy.
Louis van Gaal will guide Holland through the World Cup after returning to management
Speaking about his condition, Van Gaal had said: 'In each period during my time as manager of the national team I had to leave in the night to go to the hospital without the players finding it out until now, while thinking I was healthy, but... I am not.
'I had a pretty aggressive form [of cancer], got irradiated 25 times. Then you have a lot of management to do in order to go through life. I did have preferential treatment in the hospital. I was allowed in through the back door when I went to an appointment and was immediately pushed into another room.
'I have been treated wonderfully. You will of course tell your friends and relatives about it. The fact that nothing has come out yet also says something about my environment. That's great.'
Despite his battle with cancer, Van Gaal has managed to stabilise Holland after their disappointing Euro 2020 campaign and guide them to Qatar. There they will face the hosts, Ecuador and Senegal in the group stage.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will most likely be Van Gaal's last dance with the national side
The outspoken veteran took over for a third time following the departure of Frank de Boer, who left after Holland were knocked out in the round of 16 at the European Championship.
The 71-year-old's appointment came four-and-a-half years after he decided to call time on his storied career, explaining that he wanted to spend more time with his friends and family.
Van Gaal told Dutch TV show VTBL at the time: 'I am a pensioner now. I have no ambition to be a technical director or a TV pundit. My wife Truus gave up her job for me 22 years ago, and followed me when I went abroad.
'I told her I would quit as a coach when I turned 55, but instead kept going until I was 65. She is entitled to have a life with me outside of football. I can say she is very happy.
Holland qualified for the 2014 World Cup under Van Gaal but they were knocked out of the competition by Argentina - losing 4-2 on penalties
Holland will face Qatar, Ecuador and Senegal in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup
'I think I could have worked as a technical director, but in this role you can't attend training or say anything for fear it won't suit the coach, directors or media. I don't think I want a job like that.'
However, Van Gaal admitted it was an honour to coach the Dutch national team for a third time and insisted he was 'much looking forward to getting the job done'.
Speaking at the time of his appointment, he said: 'Dutch football has always been close to my heart and national coaching is in my view a key position for the further advancement of our football. Moreover, I consider it an honour to coach the Dutch national team.
'There is little time for the next qualifying matches, which are immediately crucial for participation in the World Cup. The focus is therefore immediately 100 percent on the players and the approach. After all, I was appointed for that.
The 71-year-old manager is currently completing his third stint as the Holland boss
'It is good to be back in Zeist. By now I have already spoken to a number of players and the technical staff has been put together with the KNVB. I am very much looking forward to getting the job
