Van Gaal to coach Alkmaar
Friday, January 14, 2005
Article summary
Louis van Gaal will succeed Co Adriaanse at the helm of Dutch league leaders AZ Alkmaar in the summer.
Article body
Three-year deal
The 53-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Eredivisie's winter champions, starting on 1 July 2005. Adriaanse had earlier decided not to extend his contract with the UEFA Cup hopefuls beyond the current campaign.
Three good reasons
"I have chosen AZ because of three criteria. They are a stable club where I think I will be able to operate well; the quality of their squad offers enough possibilities; and the ambition of the club is in line with my own," said Van Gaal, who will take charge on 4 July ahead of the 2005/2006 season.
Free agent
The former AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona and Dutch national team coach had been without a club since leaving his role as Ajax technical manager last year.
