Louis van Gaal's beautiful moment with young reporter at World Cup
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has delivered a lovely moment with a young reporter during a FIFA World Cup press conference. The Netherlands won their opening match against Senegal 2-0 and will face Ecuador on Saturday with the South American outfit defeating host nation Qatar in the first match.
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Ahead of the top of the table clash, van Gaal faced the media to chat about the game. Van Gaal has always been a charismatic character, which became evident during his reign as Manchester United manager, and the Dutch master again showed why he is a popular figure.
A young reporter appeared to jump in and ask a question, but instead directed praise towards the 71-year-old.
"I don't have any questions for you. It is just the opportunity to tell you how I have been a fan of you since I was three years old," reporter Papa Gueye said.
Van Gaal couldn't hold back a smile as he replied: "I want to give you a big hug." "Because I like that you say this and I mean that seriously.
"That does not happen often."
After the press conference finished, van Gaal went over the reporter and they embraced in a lovely moment in Qatar.
Louis van Gaal showed love to this young journalist ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IMJiwZWxLX
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 24, 2022
MOMENT OF BEAUTY. Instead of asking a question at a press conference, new journalist takes opportunity to tell Dutch manager Louis van Gaal - who recently underwent treatment for prostate cancer - that he is a lifelong fan. The pair then share a hug. ❤️pic.twitter.com/PDvuPc3uVA
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) November 24, 2022
Unique man, unique coach, unique moment. What a guy LvG is.
— Hegedűs Henrik (@heinrichnst) November 24, 2022
that's wholesome
— ゴーリング (@maiumtrouxa) November 24, 2022
Louis van Gaal is a good man. ❤️
🎥 @ESPNFC pic.twitter.com/Wgm4BC134w— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) November 24, 2022
This was an unexpected and lovely moment between Louis van Gaal and a long-time fan at this morning's press conference 🧡 #NED pic.twitter.com/rm870AkhQN
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 24, 2022
Netherlands prepare for Ecuador clash in Qatar
During an earlier press conference, van Gaal claimed this Netherlands squad was one of the best in recent tournaments and that he believes the group can go all the way.
“I believe in this squad of players. In 2014, we came third with a squad less than this group but [doing well] not only depends on tactical and technical skills but a bit of luck: can you score at the right time, things like that. We could become world champions but there are squads who are at a higher level than my squad but it is about how my squad deals with that. I like to think I can affect this as I have a head start [with his experience] and we can [win it].”
The Netherlands could start Memphis Depay from the outset, after recovering from injury, against Ecuador to give their spark more attack.
In the other Group A match, host nation Qatar will be looking to bounce back from an abysmal opening match against African Nation champions Senegal.
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