Louis van Gaal hints at interest in managing Chelsea

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 19 December 2017

Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal hints that he would consider a return to Premier League management with Chelsea if the Blues make contact with him.

Louis van Gaal has suggested that he would welcome the chance to manage Chelsea, as the former Manchester United boss holds out for a Premier League return.

The 66-year-old revealed earlier this week that he is still bitter about the manner of his Old Trafford sacking 19 months ago, which remains his most recent job.

Van Gaal stated that he would only consider a return to the English top flight if "a big club" approached him and, in a separate interview, the Dutchman has hinted that defending champions Chelsea are one of the sides on his radar.

"In principle I am finished with management, but you never say never," he is quoted as saying by The Sun. "That is to say that I think I should stop. But I could still be triggered if a job comes along that I think is a challenge, and where I don't have to work seven days a week.

"Manchester City won't phone me with an offer - but Chelsea could well do so. I don't think a top English club will come in for me, so in that situation I will only become the coach of a national team. That could be the case. As for all the other clubs, I don't think it will happen any more."

Current Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has seen his Stamford Bridge future called into question since the end of last season, but recently stressed that he is not considering an early exit.