I will be decapitated if things go wrong, says Netherlands coach Van Gaal

Sep 12, 2012 9:50:00 AM

The 61-year-old trainer is aware of the potential consequences if his squad overhaul goes wrong, and is pleased with Oranje's performances so far in World Cup 2014 qualification

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has acknowledged he is taking a big risk by introducing some fresh faces to the national side, as he realises it could cost him his job if the decision doesn't pay off.

The former Bayern Munich boss dropped experienced players such as Rafael van der Vaart, Nigel de Jong and Gregory van der Wiel for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Turkey and Hungary, with promising youngsters like Jordy Clasie, Ricardo van Rhijn and Kevin Strootman getting the nod instead.

"Experience is important, but you can also have plenty of experience at the age of 16 or 18. I let Seedorf make his debut when he was 16, Iniesta at the age of 17, and Xavi was 18," Van Gaal was quoted as saying on the official KNVB website.

"It's relatively easy to take a risk like than when you're in charge of a club. It's much more difficult when you're coaching a national team.

"Because if things go wrong, I will be decapitated."

Holland recorded a 4-1 win over Hungary on Tuesday after previously beating Turkey 2-0, and Van Gaal is satisfied with Oranje's results so far.

"We now have six points from two games, scored six goals and conceded only once. That's a good score overall."

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