My first thought is that he's basing his comments on working with LVG 17 years ago. More than half of LVG's career has passed since they parted ways. Perhaps the old man has learned a thing or two since then and changed his approach. Personally, I don't get the sense that our players are afraid of him. I think fear was probably a bigger weapon in Fergie's armoury.

I do think he puts more pressure on the players in terms of expecting them to think more, which could be a factor in our mediocre form.

Makes sense. Lvg seems joyless and the players are really struggling to express themselves on the pitch. Wouldn't be surprised if lvg did end up leaving that some players would be overjoyed.

What do you think of them Arab?

What's this got to do with you Red?

"Arm around the shoulder" my buthole!

It's football isn't it? Surely vested in the results of man utd considering we are rivals.

What do you think of Koemans observations ?

Koeman may be right, and that might be why it will take a year or 2 for LvG to bring players to thish cloob who follow his philosophy.

LvG's record speaks for itself, at different clubs in different countries, so once he's got the team he wants at United, success beckons.

I do think he puts more pressure on the players in terms of expecting them to think more, which could be a factor in our mediocre form.
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Basically this.

I could be wrong, but my perception (without checking) is that traditionally LvG's teams do better during their second season. I would make sense, as his approach to games seems very 'hands off'.

To me it appears he gives his players the instructions, tells them to go out and do it and then observes. If they aren't doing it right, that gets dealt with on the training ground. The team are the expected to try again and get it right next time. LvG's role looks to teach behind closed doors and then take notes during the event (matchday).

It appears very much a teachers role and that might explain the longer time lapse from inception to fruition of his ideas. I'm advocating nor condemning this approach myself, just my perception.

*I'm not advocating...

I have really taken to Koeman, apart from looking like a good manager he also looks like the kind of man that players would enjoy coming into work and being around.

I am not so sure that is the same with Van Gaal, he does have the fear factor.

As pointed out Fergie also had a great deal of fear factor and many a player fell out with him, the difference being that the team was succesful most of that time.

It appears very much a teachers role and that might explain the longer time lapse from inception to fruition of his ideas.

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It's funny you say that, because that is how he sees himself. A teacher, it's also how the media described him. The way he reacted to Fat Sam is akin to a teacher being insulted for their findings.

The problem with some teachers is that they think they know everything already.

Personally, I think he underestimated the premier league and the style of football he is trying to employ, whilst it suits the European and international game, is not suited to the tempo of the premier league. That doesn't necessarily make him better for doing it, everyone needs to learn from their environment.

Berba

I don't think that was the case at Bayern at all, his first season he won the title and reached the CL final, his second he struggled in the league and was eventually sacked.

I know that's only 1 example but it is hs most recent big club job and probably the closest in terms of what he is trying to doing currently.

He also won the title in his first 2 seasons at Barca.

Van Gaal openly criticises the team more than fergie, dunno wether that's a good thing, time will tell, he's a bit too reserved on the bench for my liking too.
I'd rather he gave them a rocket on the touchline then defend them in his post match.

Oh and please, no more rafa moments, they will just backfire and make you look ridiculous.

For all his success, in all 3 of his foreign club jobs (outside of Holland) he has pretty much ended them either being sacked or leaving on not the best of terms.

From his wiki

"Van Gaal expressed that it was difficult to implement his football philosophy at Barcelona due to cultural differences, and that he struggled hard as some players were unwilling to follow his lead."

Sounds familiar.

mu1982

Fair enough, was only my perception but clearly not quite right. I'm probably just clutching at straws for reasons to be optimistic!

Berba

I wish I could be more optimistic. I genuinely have no idea if we will finish in the top 4 and that really concerns me. If I were a Arsenal or Liverpool fan I would have a genuine belief of getting there based on the football they are playing and results they are getting but with us it's just hope.

All managers gave to be single minded, BR said countinio's goal was because of his system ?

Really, I think itcwas because of his god given talent, but it just shows you the arrogance needed at the top, I think there needs to be a balance.

What wound you prefer LVG siting composed telling the players what he wants, or Moyes running round in circles In Training with tge payers looking like a 10 year old in the back garden with his dad!

I do however think he will next year get you top 4 then the owners will look for a more long term appointment, the question is, will the arrogant fans give them time to implement a long term plan?

The fear thing makes sense.

Explains why our players are scared of taking risks.

RedMen7

Balance.

That's the key word and something LVG seems to lack even though he goes on about it often. Top 4 really should be a minimum requirement when you look at the players we have at our disposal and the money we can spend in the summer. I know it needs balance for it to work but still, there are little excuses.

comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 15 minutes ago
For all his success, in all 3 of his foreign club jobs (outside of Holland) he has pretty much ended them either being sacked or leaving on not the best of terms.

From his wiki

"Van Gaal expressed that it was difficult to implement his football philosophy at Barcelona due to cultural differences, and that he struggled hard as some players were unwilling to follow his lead."

Sounds familiar.
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Thing is, I actually think the players are buying into his methods and are trying to follow his lead.

Di Maria

Maybe they are but there are no guarantee's his philosophy is the answer.

Maybe the rule with an iron fist/ fear factor style of management is an antiquated approach with the modern day footballer.

Robbing_Hoody

Didn't Ferguson say he had to change his style over the years to adapt to the modern day footballer. LVG doesn't seem to be the best at adapting, it's either his way or f-ck it.

Not sure manu1982 but I've no doubt he did adapt. He must have! Came into a hard man drinking culture and before long was having Beckham cornrow his hair. I seem to remember him having the odd grumble about the pop star lifestyle for sure.