Wheelchair-bound Van Gaal forced to manage Holland from box as it’ll take too long to push ex-Man Utd boss across pitch
LOUIS VAN GAAL will not be pitch-side for the Netherlands' World Cup qualifier against Norway on Tuesday evening.
His side can secure a place at Qatar 2022 with a point, but the wheelchair-bound boss will not be in the dugout because it would take TOO LONG to push him across the pitch.
The De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam is the venue for the clash.
But because walking to the dugouts involves crossing the pitch after leaving the dressing room, ex-Manchester United boss Van Gaal will have to watch on from a box.
Dutch outlet report that Van Gaal will be with the players before the game and at half time because his box is close to the changing rooms.
But the awkward positioning of the dugouts means there wouldn't be time to wheel the 70-year-old across the grass at half time and then back again for the start of the second half.
Van Gaal will be in contact with his coaching team from his box via radio.
Assistant coaches Henk Fraser and Danny Blind will be pitch-side to pass instructions on to the players.
Most read in Football
EPIC OFFER GET 50 FREE SPINS WITH POKERSTARS CASINO (T&Cs apply. 18+)
It won't be a new experience for him though as he previously managed from a box while in charge of AZ Alkmaar in 2007 after breaking his leg and ankle.
Van Gaal has been wheelchair-bound since falling off his bike and injuring his hip on Sunday night.
The injury means he's been forced to take training sessions from a GOLF CART.
Fortunately for him it's not thought that he has suffered lasting damage.
However it did force him to miss a press conference in person after his wheelchair couldn't fit through the door of the interview room.
Instead he answered questions via video link while projected onto a massive television screen next to Virgil van Dijk.
The Liverpool defender couldn't help but crack a smile as Van Gaal assured reporters his 'brain is still working' while conducting the conference from a wheelchair.
Van Gaal was projected onto a gigantic screen that dwarfed the 6ft3in van Dijk sitting next to it.
And national team captain Van Dijk could only see the funny side he was quizzed by reporters alongside something reminiscent of a robot film.
⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals