Louis van Gaal has revealed that he held “lengthy talks” with Liverpool before he became manager of their old foes Manchester United where he tried to sign two of Jurgen Klopp’s current stars.
The Dutchman succeeded David Moyes at Old Trafford in 2014 and was in charge for two seasons, culminating in an FA Cup win, before being replaced by Jose Mourinho.
Now 69, Van Gaal, who had previous posts in charge of Ajax, Barcelona, AZ and Bayern Munich says he was not considered for the managerial role at Anfield but the position of sporting director.
Asked if Liverpool had approached him before he returned for his second stint as Netherlands national team coach in 2012, Van Gaal told FourFourTwo: “Yes, their managing director [Ian Ayre] came over to Portugal where I have a house, and we held lengthy talks – he even stayed on to have dinner.
“After he left, though, I never actually heard anything again. I don’t imagine he would have come out to Portugal if they weren’t serious about it, but later I heard I was apparently too arrogant or something. I don’t know.”
Van Gaal also claims to have tried to sign Liverpool pair James Milner – who was at United’s neighbours Manchester City at the time – and Sadio Mane during his Red Devils tenure.
Asked which players did you try to sign but couldn’t get for United, he said: “I wanted Robert Lewandowski, but when this proved difficult I tried to get Gonzalo Higuain instead.
“Before I had arrived, I also spoke with the board about Neymar. If you are at United, you have to think big.
“He was also interesting for the club in terms of selling shirts, and I wanted to have quick wingers. For that reason, I also tried to get Sadio Mané and Riyad Mahrez.
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“Thomas Muller was on my wish list, too, and in central midfield I wanted N’Golo Kanté.
“I even tried to sign James Milner, who was already quite old but very multi-functional and possessed leadership skills.
“For the defence, I wanted Sergio Ramos and Mats Hummels, because ours wasn’t the strongest in building from the back.”
The full version of the interview with Louis van Gaal appears in the new issue of FourFourTwo - on sale on Wednesday, August 26. Also in the 196 page double issue: every Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two and WSL team is reviewed and rated in our big season preview, Phil Foden talks about becoming the full time successor to David Silva at Manchester City. And ask who can stop Liverpool from retaining their crown. Click here for an exclusive Reach subscription offer, which includes three issues of FourFourTwo for £3 and free download.
