They worked together between 1997 and 2000 at Barcelona, Van Gaal was the manager and Mourinho was his assistant. Both of them already won the Champions League trophy, Van Gaal with Ajax in 1995 and Mourinho with FC Porto in 2004. Mourinho described Van Gaal as being his friend and former "teacher" while being employed at Barcelona.
FIFA have just announced the 10 nominees: Carlo Ancelotti (Chelsea), Vicente del Bosque (Spain), Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United), Pep Guardiola (Barcelona), Joachim Low (Germany), Jose Mourinho (Inter Milan/Real Madrid), Oscar Tabarez (Uruguay), Louis Van Gaal (Bayern Munich), Bert van Marwijk (Holland) and Arsene Wenger (Arsenal).
The Champions League Final means so much more to the two teams. It puts two former colleague up against each other in Van Gaal and Mourinho. It could also be the decider to an elusive treble. Both teams have one their domestic leagues and cup and now the title of European Champion is all that stand sin the way between them and legendary status. Although hey have both achieved so much this season, who deserve the pinnacle of it all?
Definately. It was unprofessional to the fans and Van Gaal.
He shouldn't have been taken off. I would be mad too.
After posing a serious threat to the Lyon defense all night and capitalizing with the only goal of the game, Louis Van Gaal opted to substitute the in form Dutchman in the 85th minute. An irate Robben stormed off the field but apologized after. Was the player right to loose his cool or should he be a good boy and listen to the boss?
Real Madrid's Rafael Van Der Vaart has today been linked with a move to Liverpool. Rafa Benitez is bound to be a very busy man this summer, with plenty of departures and arrivals expected at Anfield, but will Van Der Vaart be one of the arrivals this summer? Vote now!
Netherlands have reached the round of 16 without any fuss, whereas the lowly Slovakia have had a fairly tale journey so fat. Will the Dutch end the Slovakians dream run or can the Slovakians repeat their feat of beating Italy against Team Oranje
Benitez is dead wrong. You don't pass out on someone like Van Nistelrooy.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez told reports Liverpool will not pursue Real Madrid's dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and will prefer Aston Villa's forward, Emile Heskey. (goal.com)
He will need some time to get used to playing again...
The Dutch midfielder joined Real Madrid in 2008 but never managed to express his potential at Santiago Bernabeu and found himself sitting on the bench most of the time. Now Tottenham managed a last minute deal to take him away from Madrid and Van Der Vaart is looking to revive his career.
