Timid end to Van Gaal’s turbulent career as Koeman waits in the wings

DOHA : A downcast Louis van Gaal answered a handful of questions after the Netherlands' quarter-final defeat by Argentina, rose from the podium and exited left – a timid end to a turbulent career that came to a close at the World Cup in Qatar.

The 71-year-old, who has battled with cancer over the last year, concluded his third spell as the Netherlands coach with their penalty shootout loss and will be replaced by Ronald Koeman.

"In principle this is it for me," said Van Gaal earlier in the tournament, "but you can never say never".

He had been brought out of retirement when Frank de Boer was fired after elimination in the last 16 of the European Championship by the Czech Republic for a third spell in charge of the Dutch.

Van Gaal took over in September last year, leading the Dutch to World Cup qualification, after they had missed out on the 2018 finals in Russia.

They also won their Nations League group and will host the finals in June against Croatia, Italy and Spain.

Van Gaal had also been coach when the Dutch reached the 2014 World Cup finals, beaten then also on post-match penalties by Argentina.

That proved the high point of a career that included Champions League success with Ajax Amsterdam, two LaLiga titles at Barcelona, the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich but a disappointing spell at Manchester United, although they did win the FA Cup in 2016.

All of which was characterised by a reputation for meticulous planning and attention to detail but also a single-minded belief in his own ability that won him many admirers and detractors in equal measure.

His battles with the media were many, spawning even a book by one reporter about his many encounters with Van Gaal.

The coach revealed in April he had received 25 radiation