Yeah, it's crazy. I never imagined we would miss two tournaments in a row - embarrassing considering how many teams get to go to the Euros now! Agreed about van Gaal. He needs players ready to absorb his 'philosophy' - usually young guys or very disciplined individuals who also buy into his coaching, like Robben. I think he did quite well with the German players at Bayern, right? He's struggled majorly with superstar personalities like Rivaldo, Luca Toni, Ribery, etc. Maybe it's the cultural differences, van Gaal isn't able to change his behaviour and make everyone comfortable (which someone like Hiddink does very well, but being weaker tactically).
Well, it's not over yet. You're only three points behind Sweden and play them on the last day at home. 2nd place is still on the table. When with Bayern, van Gaal helped the then-young Schweinsteiger and Lahm a lot and called up Müller, Badstuber and Alaba - and like you said couldn't handle players like Ribéry that need a lot of freedom on the pitch. I think you can compare that with the Dutch situation right now. You've got young and gifted players, that need a precise system to grow together. Since there are no divas on the team - as far as I know - this could really work out. Also was quite sure van Gaal wouldn't want his career to end the way it finished with ManUnited.
How ****ing embarrassing for that guy. He might as well have asked, "Bastien, as someone who has been known to soccer from time to time, can you tell me if you plan on kicking the ball in Chicago, or will you take a different approach? Thanks, I'll hang up and listen."
after rephrasing, i understand now what the reporter was trying to say. but if you can't even win the world cup, why even play in chicago?
Bastian was a fool to join them, the New York Yankees would've been his best bet at winning the FIBA World Cup.
i'm not so sure breh. there are some really good teams out there. the yankees are below average in rebounds with soft bigs.
Bastian is known to score big touchdowns in 4th innings though, that would've improved their homerun record.
