I´m just taking a sabbatical – Van Gaal denies he´s retired

Louis van Gaal denies he has retired from management, with the former Manchester United boss open to a return to Spain.

Van Gaal appeared set to retire at the age of 65, citing family issues in quotes reported by De Telegraaf on Monday, after he was sacked by United last season.

The ex-Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Ajax, Netherlands and United boss, however, has clarified his future, insisting he is only taking a break from management.

“No, no no. I have not retired,” Van Gaal told Cadena SER. “I am just taking a sabbatical year and after that I will decide. There is a good chance that I will retire.

“In the Netherlands the press writes what they want. I received a headline yesterday, but I said that I might retire, but this is not the time to say it, and for this reason I have taken a sabbatical year and then I will decide.”

A return to LaLiga could be on the cards for Van Gaal after he turned down embattled outfit Valencia, who are searching for a new head coach following the resignation of Cesare Prandelli.

“I received an offer from Valencia a month or so ago but I said no,” said Van Gaal, who guided Barca to consecutive LaLiga tiles from 1997-99.

“Next year may be different. It will depend on how I feel.”