Manchester United's Louis van Gaal is one of the world's 'best' managers - Manchester City's Martin Demichelis
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Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis believes that new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is one of the 'best' football managers.
The Argentina international will lock horns with Van Gaal's Netherlands side in Wednesday night's World Cup semi-final.
Before moving to Malaga, Demichelis spent a year working with the Dutchman at Bayern Munich, but was sold to the Spanish side due to a lack of first team football.
“I was irritated [when left out of the side] but I always recognised he was the best football-wise, for the concepts he has and how he imposes them on a team,” he told reporters.
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“He has shown that in this World Cup. But I didn’t leave because of him, but because of my own decision.”
Van Gaal was widely praised for bringing on goalkeeper Tim Krul in the final minutes of extra time during their clash with Costa Rica, with the Newcastle goalkeeper pulling off two crucial saves in the penalty shoot out.
But Demichelis insists that while it was a gamble, he's seen Van Gaal take such decisions before.
“I’ve seen him do such things many times," he continued. "For example, he’d get in front of the squad and say who was the best or worst at doing different things.
“He has a real determination in thinking about the team and potential consequences. I learned a lot from Van Gaal.”
