Ex-coach very open

Van Gaal on cancer: “Can no longer have sex”

Louis Van Gaal

(Bild: APA/AFP/Odd ANDERSEN)

Louis Van Gaal has been suffering from prostate cancer for four years. Now the former national coach and ex-Bayern coach has spoken openly about his illness. "I can pee naturally again, that's very important. But I can no longer have sex, that's a problem," said the 72-year-old on the talk show "Humberto á Paris".

He was doing well, "after three years of radiotherapy, kidney infections and prostate operations" he was "finally fit again", van Gaal began the conversation. Then he became direct and open: "I can pee naturally again, that's important. But I can't have sex anymore, that's a problem. When you get prostate cancer, it really is a problem."

"Cancer is like being a coach, ..."
In April 2022, van Gaal made his cancer public and traveled to the World Cup in Qatar as coach of the Dutch national team. "I actually think I managed even better during the World Cup because I had a goal. Cancer is like being a coach, you're looking for a goal. For me, it was positive to deal with both things." He currently works as a consultant for Ajax Amsterdam.

Van Gaal can also count on the support of his wife Truus. She is "the best advisor", said the 72-year-old. The two have been married since 2008 and have known each other for almost 30 years.

Van Gaal (left) with his wife Truus

(Bild: AFP or licensors)

When asked how he manages to be so open about his illness, van Gaal replied: "To give a little support to people who are also suffering from it, so that they can carry on. That it can also affect people like me, that's actually the reason. I am always open: I say what I feel and think." Let's hope that the cult coach never loses his honesty ...