Louis Van Gaal Asks For Apology From Media Before Ending His Press Conference

Manchester United Manager Louis Van Gaal isn’t feeling the holiday spirit. With rumors that he will be fired and replaced by Jose Mourinho swirling, the Dutchman was not in a good mood during this week’s mandatory press conference.

“Has anybody in this room not the feeling to apologize to me,” he began. “Nobody has that feeling? That’s what I’m wondering.”

When a reporter asked what the media had done wrong, the manager pointed towards rumors of his eminent sacking. “I think I was already sacked,” he explained. “I read that I have been sacked. My colleague was here already. What do you think that happens with my wife or with my kids or with my grandchildren or with the fans of Manchester United or my friends? What do you think? They have called me a lot of times. Do you think that I want to talk with the media now? I’m here only because of the Premier League rules. I have to talk with you.”

The rumor that Van Gaal was sacked began with a tweet from former Manchester City player Trevor Sinclair. He later explained that he left his phone on the table at a party and someone else had sent the message. Even after the correction, the rumor continued to snowball.

When asked if speculation comes with being the manager of a struggling club, Van Gaal said he did not think that was the case. “I don’t think that you can do that because you have to stick by the facts,” he said.

“I only say now that I am focused on Stoke City [who United play on Boxing Day],” the manger concluded. “I wish you a merry Christmas and maybe also a happy New Year when I see you.” He then left the press conference.

Photo: Manager Louis van Gaal by Paul Blank. Photo via Wikimedia Commons