Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal on Wednesday said England is likely to be the next step in his illustrious career following reports linking him to Tottenham.
The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach said a move to the Premier League would be “an interesting challenge” after he leads the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Van Gaal, in Brazil for a two-day seminar along with several other World Cup coaches, had been strongly tipped to take over at White Hart Lane following the axing of Andre Villas-Boas earlier this season.
However the 62-year-old Dutch guru said he was open to offers from other English sides.
“I am mostly interested in England because I have been a coach in Spain, Germany and in the Netherlands. So I think England is the next step,” van Gaal said.
“Spurs? Well it depends on circumstances and the vacancies. I prefer to focus on this World Cup,” concluded van Gaal, noting the Spurs hotseat was now filled by Tim Sherwood.
The Netherlands manager meanwhile tipped Manchester United striker Robin van Persie to overcome a dip in form and shine at the World Cup finals.
“Manchester may be having a difficult time now, but I think he’ll be great in the tournament as he loves to play in the Dutch squad,” he told reporters.
Van Gaal admitted however he is fearing a worst case scenario of Manchester United overcoming their current poor form and ending up in a Champions League final with Bayern.
Although such an eventuality appears unlikely given United’s domestic woes, it would deprive the Netherlands of van Persie and Bayern’s Arjen Robben.
“If Bayern Munich plays Manchester United in the final then I don’t have my players, my captains,” he complained.
With the World Cup in Brazil starting on June 12 that would see his stars have to head across the Atlantic almost immediately.
“That’s the calendar. I cannot change it – only Fifa can change it. But Fifa has to speak also with Uefa.”
Van Gaal made Brazil and Argentina his main World Cup favorites as in past tournaments on the continent South American sides have triumphed.
He said Germany also had a chance of glory but that the Spanish could suffer after being drawn in the Dutch group.
“Spain has to win first against Holland – and that will be very difficult for them,” he smiled.
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
The five pillars of Islam
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
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Dust storm
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
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Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
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Tips for entertaining with ease
· Set the table the night before. It’s a small job but it will make you feel more organised once done.
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· Guests tend to turn up thirsty. Fill a big jug with iced water and lemon or lime slices and encourage people to help themselves.
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ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
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Key recommendations
- Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
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Time; race; prize; distance
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4.35pm: Maiden (T); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Travis County, Adrie de Vries, Ismail Mohammed
5.10pm: Handicap (D); Dh175,000; 1,200m
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Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
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6.55pm: Handicap (D); Dh160,000; 1,600m
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7.30pm: Handicap (D); Dh150,000; 2,200m
Winner: Grand Dauphin, Gerald Mosse, Ahmed Al Shemaili
8.05pm: Handicap (T); Dh190,000; 1,800m
Winner: Good Trip, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
