Belgium have ruled Louis van Gaal out of the running for manager’s job due to ex-Manchester United boss’ high wage demands
Marc Wilmots is expected to stand down after disappointing Euro 2016 campaign and search for his successor is underway
BELGIUM have rejected the chance to hire Louis van Gaal as next boss because his wage demands are too high.
Marc Wilmots’ job is under serious threat as the Belgian ‘Golden Generation’ failed at Euro 2016, exiting in the quarter-finals after a 3-1 defeat by Wales.
The former international midfielder has a contract worth £860,000-a-year and is expected to stand down this week, with the huge pay-off being the main sticking point.
And the Belgian FA have already started their search for Wilmots’ successor — but have ruled out the former Manchester United boss as they can’t afford him.
quote chief, Linard Gerard, as saying: “We do not have the budget of France, Spain or Germany and Louis van Gaal has high wages which are not within our budget.
“To become Belgium manager, he needs to lower his wages but, regardless, we need to wait and see what Marc Wilmots does.
“It will be decided next week.”
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Wilmots has been Belgium manager since 2012.
After failing to qualify for that summer’s European Championships, the likes of Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany led the Red Devils to their first major tournament since 2002 — and they were expected to be a force.
However, they flattered to deceive and were eliminated by Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Belgium improved and looked to do better at Euro 2016, only to be knocked out by Wales at the same stage.
Van Gaal was sacked by United in May just days after leading the club to FA Cup glory.
The Dutchman has twice been national manager — of his Holland — but with contrasting results.
He failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup but led an unfancied side to third place in Brazil 12 years later.
Fellow countryman, Dick Advocaat, was Belgium manager from 2009 to 2010.