Juan Roman Riquelme advised Louis van Gaal must have kissed Lionel Messi as an alternative of angering him on the World Cup.
- Van Gaal upset Messi earlier than World Cup sport
- Messi delivered sturdy efficiency
- Dutch coach instructed his method was foolish
WHAT HAPPENED? Riquelme chimed in on a longstanding disagreement between fellow countryman Messi and former Netherlands boss Van Gaal, particularly talking about Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final win final month.
WHAT THEY SAID: “I believe Van Gaal had [mentioned Messi before the match],” Riquelme instructed TyC Sports. “There are issues that can’t occur in soccer. You possibly can’t make him offended. It’s preferable to hug him, kiss him, in order that he doesn’t wish to beat you.
“When the perfect participant will get offended, you do not have an opportunity to beat him. It’s unimaginable. That is why Van Gaal’s declaration for Argentina was excellent [for us]. As well as, Messi has a bonus as a result of, when he will get offended, he would not get despatched off like different gamers.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Van Gaal claimed that Messi “did not contact the ball” when the Netherlands have been knocked out of the 2014 World Cup semi-final on penalties by Argentina and stated the Oranje needed revenge. He additionally commented on the 35-year-old being passive when his aspect are out of possession.
However, for all of Van Gaal’s criticisms, Messi proved instrumental as Argentina lifted the World Cup after beating the Dutch on penalties throughout their tense quarter-final sport, with Van Gaal clashing with Argentine players on the sidelines afterwards.
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WHAT NEXT FOR VAN GAAL? The enduring Dutch coach entered retirement after the World Cup, although he has hinted that he could be coaxed back to the dugout one day.
