The Dutch Football Association have confirmed the return of Louis van Gaal as Netherlands coach.
Following Bert van Marwijk s resignation as Netherlands boss after a disastrous Euro 2012 campaign, the KNVB has turned to a man it sacked just over a decade ago in the wake of the team s failure to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
We are delighted to have come to an agreement, KNVB director of football Bert van Oostveen said on Friday.
We were looking for a coach with a lot of experience and with personal and professional charisma.
Van Gaal has left his mark nationally and internationally and we know him as a dedicated and very motivated coach.
Meanwhile, the former Barcelona boss, who has been out of the coaching game since parting company with Bayern Munich last year, is looking forward to the task of helping the Dutch qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
I am happy that the KNVB has approached me, van Gaal said. This is the challenge I have been waiting for.
Netherlands, runners-up at the 2010 World Cup, surprisingly exited Euro 2012 before the knockout stages, having lost all three of their group games against Denmark, Germany and Portugal.