Louis van Gaal says expectations are too high at Manchester United
Tuesday 3 May 2016 14:14, UK
Louis van Gaal believes the media have affected the authority he has over his players due to speculation about him losing his job at Manchester United - and claims he is one of the best managers in the world.
Throughout the season various media reports have linked Jose Mourinho with Van Gaal's job, and the Dutchman believes it has hindered United's progress this season.
Man United have struggled to perform for large parts of this season but with three games to go this season they find themselves in an FA Cup final and are still vying for the top four places with Man City and Arsenal.
"I'm a coach, a manager who would rather have some authority but every day the players can read it, what do you think about my authority as well? What do you think about the way they want to follow my advice when the coach is shown like a nobody?" said Van Gaal at United's end-of-season awards ceremony.
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"But I am not like that. I am very arrogant. I am one of the best managers in the world.
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"When the media is writing for six months I am sacked already... I can cope with that. It is not new for me. For my players, it is not so easy."
Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, United have struggled to find consistency and Van Gaal insists fans must be patient with the team - but is hopeful of bringing the first piece of silverware to Old Trafford in three years.
"I am happy to give the fans a final. Expectations are too high," the Dutchman said.
"We are in a period of transition. It is not so easy. We have to meet the expectations of the biggest club in the world."
Van Gaal was also full of praise for David De Gea who won the Manchester United Player of the Year award for a record third time, having almost moved to Real Madrid last summer.
"Everyone knows he was invited to Madrid" said Van Gaal. "His girlfriend is living in Madrid, his parents, Spanish, Real Madrid is a great club but he is still here and as a manager I am so happy he is here and he deserves to win this title."
