“I would’ve been happier if you both had left Barcelona in the summer” – Van Gaal tells two Barcelona stars
Netherland head coach, Louis Van Gaal has told two Barcelona stars, Memphis Depay and Frenkie De Jong that he would’ve been happier if they had both left Barcelona in the summer.
At first, Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Haag was desperate for a De Jong reunion and then Chelsea also desperately and aggressively tried to sign the Holland International.
De Jong however insisted on staying put as he took a pay cut to remain in the Catalonia capital.
De Jong has since then only started three of Barcelona’s six la liga features, coming as a substitute in the others.
Memphis Depay on the other hand was first said to be on the verge of joining Italian giants Juventus, but the deal fell through and Chelsea were also eager to sign the player but opted for Aubameyang in the last minute.
Memphis has started the club’s last two league fixture, scoring against Elche but game time has been difficult for the forward so far this season.
Van Gaal has now stated that he would’ve loved both men to move on from Barcelona because he wanted his star players playing regularly ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Van Gaal said :
“The storm is now over and I must say that it has been pleasing to me.
“But now they are playing regularly again. Although I would be even happier if Memphis and Frenkie play even more regularly. I can’t say that everything didn’t go well in the transfer window.”
