Louis van Gaal storms out of press conference: Manchester United manager's rant in full

The Manchester United manager walked out of his meeting with the press following intense speculation over his future

Mark Critchley
Wednesday 23 December 2015 17:18 GMT
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

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Louis van Gaal sensationally walked out of his press conference ahead of Manchester United's trip to Stoke City on Boxing Day.

The 64-year-old's future has come under intense speculation since last weekend's home defeat to Norwich City. The club have since issued an ultimatum to the Dutchman, specifying that he must avoid defeat in the club's next two league fixtures to save his job.

Van Gaal appeared visibly angered by the media's coverage during Wednesday afternoon and opened by asking whether any members of the press wished to apologise to him for the treatment he has received.

Van Gaal, who replaced David Moyes in the Old Trafford dugout in July 2014, went on to insist that he still has the backing of his squad and backroom staff, having held a number of meetings with them in the past week.

He closed by wishing the members of the press a merry Christmas and added that he hopes they enjoy their wine and mince pies over the holiday period.

Here is the full transcript of Van Gaal's 4 minute 58 second long rant against the media...

Louis van Gaal's press conference speech

LVG: Has anybody in this room have the feeling to apologise to me? Nobody has that feeling? That's what I'm wondering.

Reporter: What have we done wrong?

LVG: I think I was already sacked. I have read I have been sacked, my colleague was here already. What do you think that happens with my wife or with my kids or with my grandchildren? Or with the fans of Manchester United? What do you think? They have called me a lot of times and also Arsene Wenger is saying something about that.

Do you think I want to talk with the media now? I am here only because of the Premier League rule. I have to talk with you. But I can only see when I say something, you use my words in your context.

I have tried to lift the confidence of my players. I have done everything this week. I have held meetings with the players, with members of staff. I have held a Christmas lunch, I have held a speech and I feel the warmth and the support of everybody in Carrington. This AON Training Complex. But I didn't feel that in the media and of course I can mention that, you can write about that subject. We are not in a good position but four weeks ago we were first in the Premier League and in about four weeks again, we can be back in that position.

Reporter: You have been at big clubs before Louis and this is Manchester United. When results don't go well, when the supporters have turned, it's inevitable speculation will happen. You can't be surprised that there is speculation?

LVG: No I don't think. I don't think you can do that because you have to stick by the facts. When I get calls off Alex Ferguson and David Gill and Ed Woodward because you are creating something that is not good, that is not being the facts and now I have to answer questions. I don't think I want to do with.

I only say now I am focused on Stoke City, I help my players. I wish you a merry Christmas and maybe also a happy new year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye.

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