-
News
- 20 minutes ago
Ex-Man Utd boss Van Gaal considered for top European coaching job at 74
Tom Weber
- 20 Jan 2026 13:11 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Legendary manager Louis van Gaal is being considered by Eintracht Frankfurt for their vacant head coaching position, according to German media.
The Eagles sacked Dino Toppmoller on Sunday after a string of poor results and calamitous defensive performances. The fact that Frankfurt needed a stoppage-time goal on Friday to salvage a 3-3 draw against an average Werder Bremen side was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Frankfurt were the darlings of European football last year, with Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike scoring goals for fun. However, they have lost their way this season. This has been brought about by some significant misses in the transfer market.
Big-name signings like Elye Wahi and Michy Batshuayi have not worked out, so even their much-celebrated sporting director Markus Krosche has come under fire this term. After sacking Toppmoller, he admitted that this season has been a collective failure.
Frankfurt are now looking for a new permanent head coach. Several names have already been discussed internally, and Sky Germany states that even Louis van Gaal has been mentioned as a potential candidate.
Van Gaal considered but appointment unlikely
Frankfurt are planning to appoint a coach who has experience at the top European level, who is willing to work with young players and who plays attractive football. This is why someone at the club suggested Van Gaal.
However, the outlet acknowledges that it is highly unlikely that the 74-year-old will replace Toppmoller. Moreover, no contact with any candidate has as yet been made. The actual hiring process will only begin later this week, with ex-Dortmund and Leipzig boss Marco Rose one of the early favourites.
Van Gaal has struggled with his health in recent years and hasn't been in charge of a side since leading the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in what was his third stint at the helm of Oranje. It seemed that he had retired from coaching after leaving his role.
Surprisingly, though, the Dutchman recently opened the door to a managerial return, albeit at the international level. After claiming that he was previously considered for the Germany job, he admitted that countries like Australia, England or the US could tempt him to return to the dugout.
"Germany - they denied it, they can deny it, but I'm just saying it [that I was considered]. But I also knew that Germany would never hire a foreign manager," Van Gaal stated on Pauw & De Wit, before adding: "I'm hoping for a country like the United States. Mentally strong players. I can do anything with them. Or Australia and England."
Van Gaal has a sensational coaching record, having managed the likes of Ajax, Barcelona (twice), Bayern Munich and Man Utd. He is considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of football, particularly post-1990.
At this stage of his life, though, a return to the bench would be a massive shock. He underwent successful treatment for prostate cancer in 2022 and has been an advisor at struggling Ajax since 2023.
Football transfer news headlines today
DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today
TRANSFER RUMOURS: Chelsea willing to sell Enzo Fernandez as January deal close
Man City’s Marc Guehi signing is a January masterclass
Jeremy Jacquet: Chelsea’s new €65m signing has one problem no one is talking about
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
