VIRGIL VAN DIJK couldn’t help but giggle as Louis van Gaal told reporters his ‘brain is still working’ via an enormous television as he conducted a press conference sitting in a wheelchair.
The ex-Manchester United boss couldn’t be there in person as his wheelchair couldn’t fit through the door of the interview room.
Van Gaal was projected onto a gigantic screen that dwarfed the 6ft3in van Dijk sitting next to it.
And national team captain van Dijk could only see the funny side he was quizzed by reporters alongside something reminiscent of a robot film.
The 70-year-old was taken to hospital after picking up an injury when falling off his bike ahead of the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier against Norway.
He’s using a wheelchair for the time being but isn’t thought to have any lasting injuries and re-joined his squad today to conduct training.
Van Gaal told reporters: “Physically I’m not good, but the brain is still working. I’m in a lot of pain, that’s why I was in a buggy during training.
“I can still do everything and have done all the preparation that I normally would have.”
And star centre-back van Dijk revealed his relief that the Netherlands boss was still fit enough to lead the side.
He said: “We are happy that he can lead us and it hasn’t impacted much in terms of the preparation.
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“This morning he chaired an important meeting and still guides us. Van Gaal is still keen to make it to the World Cup.”
It’s not the first time van Gaal has been in the wars either.
He underwent a hip replacement in 2012 during his first spell as manager of the Netherlands.
And before that in 2007 when coach of AZ Alkmaar he broke his leg and ankle, forcing him to take training while sitting in a GOLF CART.
The Netherlands can guarantee a spot a the 2022 World Cup with a point against Norway on Tuesday evening.
Qualification could have already been secured with victory over Montenegro on Saturday but van Dijk and Co squandered a two goal lead, conceding twice in the last ten minutes to draw 2-2.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
