Louis van Gaal: 'I considered Liverpool role'

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he considered joining the new Liverpool set-up before opting to take over the Dutch national team.

The 61-year-old was constantly linked to the Merseyside club as either a successor to sacked boss Kenny Dalglish or as a sporting director working alongside the new manager.

"I've only spoken with Liverpool about a job," said Van Gaal. "My aim was to be manager at a national team.

"That it turned out to be Holland is the best thing that could happen. I had a lot of chances to sign with other clubs, but I rejected it.

"Only Liverpool came with a plan that I liked, because I've never worked in the Premier League and I always wanted to become champion in England."

Despite initial interest from Liverpool, who appointed Brendan Rodgers as their new coach, Van Gaal signed a contract with the Netherlands last month.