Having worked virtually non-stop for 12 months due to Holland’s run in the World Cup, Louis van Gaal has already booked his summer holiday flight for May 25 — less than 24 hours after Manchester United’s season ends at Hull City.
‘Yes, I go immediately,’ he smiles with relief, though the club’s absence from European football has made his schedule slightly easier than it otherwise might have been.
That won’t be the case next season. United will finish in the top four and if they beat Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday will rise to third, the final position for automatic entry into the Champions League group stages.
Louis van Gaal has already booked his summer holiday flight for May 25 — less than 24 hours after Manchester United’s season ends at Hull City
Van Gaal says to become champions his side must replicate the knowhow of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea
The 'We are the champions' sign at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Liverpool last Sunday
However, to make the jump to Premier League champions next season, Van Gaal says United must replicate the knowhow of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.
Van Gaal gave Mourinho his coaching start at Barcelona, but was annoyed by his former prodigy after Chelsea beat United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge when Mourinho suggested United’s attacking performance had played into his side’s hands.
In the cold light of day, Van Gaal seems to accept his rival might have a point. The Dutchman admits to jump from fourth to first, his United team need some of that Chelsea steel that marks certain teams down as “winners”.
‘We have improved a lot this season but we are not champions and haven’t had that mentality which is a quality of champions,’ said Van Gaal.
‘The way Chelsea can play and finish games, we still have to learn that. It’s the big difference between us and Chelsea.’
‘I also think Arsenal may have a better team than Chelsea, but they can not finish like Chelsea. That is talent experience, John Terry, Gary Cahill. It makes the difference, I think.’
Eden Hazard (third left) scored the only goal as Chelsea beat Manchester United last month
Player of the Year Hazard celebrated scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge
‘So the difference is not the level of the performance, it’s how to finish the game. And Chelsea has done that the best.’
For all his outward confidence, van Gaal admits his first season in England has been a personal learning curve. As they prepare for their final match at Old Trafford of the campaign, United could feel the benefit next season.
‘It has been intense because of my new situation as a manager I have to adapt also.
‘It’s not only the players who have to adapt to the culture of England and the rhythm of the game, but the manager has to as well.
‘It is very exciting, but very difficult as well. I have had to adapt my philosophy. Nobody is asking me about that, but it’s true.’
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