Germany’s Hamburger Abendblatt has started a rumour in Germany that Louis van Gaal is in talks with Werder Bremen. The Dutchman’s final job was supposed to be with Manchester United but it would be no surprise to hear of clubs contacting the manager.
Werder Bremen have sacked coach Viktor Skripnik after four matches. That may sound harsh but the club are currently rock bottom of the Bundesliga after four games. They’ve lost every one of the matches and conceded 14 goals, not the best start.
Last season Werder finished 13th, but only one side conceded more goals in the Bundesliga. Shipping 65 goals in 34 games, added to this season that makes 79 goals conceded in 38 games.
There’s clearly a defensive problem and it wouldn’t be a shock if the club thought Van Gaal could tighten the team up at the back. Manchester United had a good defensive record last season, not because their defenders are amazing, but because Van Gaal set out to protect them.
Van Gaal’s style at Old Trafford was too defensive for many Manchester United fans, but it sounds like just what Werder need.
This opportunity may not be exciting enough for the manager to give up retirement. If there’s any truth in the claims, it’s likely to be more Werder being in talks with Van Gaal, then he in talks with them.
