Ex-Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal has revealed that he was in contact with Liverpool FC over a possible move to Anfield in a non-managerial capacity before agreeing on to become the boss of the Dutch national team for a second time in 2012.
In a recent interview with FourFourTwo, Van Gaal spoke about how he was approached by former Reds managing director Ian Ayre for the sporting director vacancy at the Anfield outfit. The Dutchman stated that Ayre had visited him at his house in Portugal that had resulted in a lengthy meeting between the two.
“Yes, their managing director [Ian Ayre] came over to Portugal where I have a house, and we held lengthy talks – he even stayed on to have dinner.
However, the talks did not materialize as Van Gaal was deemed to be a bit arrogant, according to the ex-Red Devils boss himself. The 69-year old added that he was not contacted further by the Merseyside club following the meeting with Ayre.
“After he left, though, I never actually heard anything again. I don’t imagine he would have come out to Portugal if they weren’t serious about it, but later I heard I was apparently too arrogant or something. I don’t know.”
Moreover, in an interesting revelation, Van Gaal expressed his desire to sign two of Liverpool FC’s current first-team star players, James Milner and Sadio Mane, during his time as the Manchester United manager. However, he was unable to lure any of the two players to Old Trafford.
“I even tried to sign James Milner, who was already quite old but very multi-functional and possessed leadership skills.
“He[Neymar] was also interesting for the club in terms of selling shirts, and I wanted to have quick wingers. For that reason, I also tried to get Sadio Mané and Riyad Mahrez.
