I think the highest profile player to absolutely hate Van Gaal was Rivaldo. I’m sure he’s said harsher words than Adnan about him

I think LVG’s man management has always been his biggest weakness as a coach. It’s something that has been commented on everywhere he’s been. His coaching ability was always rated a lot more highly.

Stoichkov can't stand the man.

No he tends to clash with Brazilian/South American players like Rivaldo, Di Maria because they often clash with his own values (not coming late, sticking to the plan, training seriously). It's his major weak point, dealing with older/star players and unable cut them some slack. Basically the polar opposite of Hiddink who's a master at that.

comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 6 minutes ago
Yeah I agree that it's fair to be upfront with players if you have no plans for them. Probably a bit rash with his decisions, he seemed to decide very quickly that some players weren't needed. Hasn't he got a reputation for not being a particular fan of Brazilian players, the SE85 syndrome.
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That's what Rafael said. Apparently his mates were calling him saying LVG would get rid of him because he doesn't like bow Brazilians play.

I’ve heard about the Brazilian thing, but I dunno if that’s really true. I just think he’s a bit of a diiiickhead with a personality disorder. Some will warm to that and others won’t. Similar with Mourinho.

Adnan who ?

Yeah they are pretty similar in that respect. Mental bast-rds who are too intense for some players. Although Jose seems to want the strong characters who can handle his character whereas LVG seemed to prefer players who would be respectful and listen to him which I guess requires strong character but in a slightly different way.

I think Van Gaal’s a lot more difficult to work with from a personality standpoint than Mourinho ever was.

Well his career certainly took off after he left OT.

Yeah I can imagine LVG is incredibly precise and stubborn and when people struggle to understand or follow his thinking (which is understandable because he’s mad) he gets very frustrated. Jose while also very methodical seems to fall out more because he’s miserable and will pick on those he thinks are weak, Shaw seems to be a recent example of this. Both quite dated ways of management that today’s players are less willing to accept I feel.

comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 51 seconds ago
Yeah I can imagine LVG is incredibly precise and stubborn and when people struggle to understand or follow his thinking (which is understandable because he’s mad) he gets very frustrated. Jose while also very methodical seems to fall out more because he’s miserable and will pick on those he thinks are weak, Shaw seems to be a recent example of this. Both quite dated ways of management that today’s players are less willing to accept I feel.
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It seems to me that Bielsa is of the same sort of mould as LVG. His instructions must be insanely detailed and insanely precise.

Not sure how the players deal with that, or how he deals with the players when they don’t get it, but we’ve seen what he’s like with people outside the club when they question what he’s doing and why. He makes Hafi look distinctly brief and vague.

One thing LVG cannot be accused of was failing to give young players a chance. Adnan didn't grasp his chance when he got. Seems to have made a good career for himself but I don't think he'd still be here if LVG didn't take over