Van Gaal Interview: Bayern Munich Invited Me to Coach Before Appointing Kompany; Prostate Cancer Well Under Control

The 72-year-old former Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Netherlands national team coach, Louis van Gaal, gave an exclusive interview to Dutch RTL television. The veteran coach revealed that Bayern Munich had invited him to coach before appointing Vincent Kompany. Additionally, he reported that his cancer is well-controlled.

Van Gaal disclosed, “Bayern Munich extended an invitation to me before they appointed Kompany, which came as a great surprise.” He coached Bayern Munich from 2009 to 2011, leading the team to win both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal. In Van Gaal’s coaching history, returning for second stints is not uncommon, having managed Barcelona twice and the Netherlands national team on three occasions.

However, this news sparked heated discussions on social media worldwide. If Bayern Munich preferred to invite a 72-year-old coach with health issues related to prostate cancer over Kompany, does it suggest that the German giants’ confidence in Kompany was not strong from the outset? Would this potentially cast a shadow over Kompany’s tenure at Bayern Munich? Opinions vary.

Van Gaal also discussed his health, stating, “Things are going smoothly now. My cancer is well-controlled. I can go to the bathroom naturally again, but I can no longer have marital relations. When you have prostate cancer, that becomes an issue.”

The interviewer asked Van Gaal why he chose to speak openly about such personal matters. Van Gaal responded, “It’s to support those who are similarly afflicted by cancer, encouraging them to continue living their lives. I always open up, expressing my feelings and thoughts, hoping to give people some confidence. Prostate cancer doesn’t kill you quickly, although there are cases where people do pass away, usually due to complications. Have I been afraid since being diagnosed with cancer? I’ve never been scared, but it has affected my life, making it less enjoyable.”

The 72-year-old Van Gaal expressed his desire to continue coaching. Due to his age and health, he is not interested in managing a club but remains open to a less demanding role, such as leading a national team—this is why he did not accept Bayern Munich’s invitation.