Ángel Di María, the veteran Benfica and Argentina midfielder, recently made headlines for his candid remarks about his former coach, Louis van Gaal. In an interview with ESPN Argentina, Di María did not hold back in expressing his dissatisfaction with his one season under the Dutch manager at Manchester United.
Di María unequivocally stated that van Gaal was the worst coach he had ever worked with, leaving no room for doubt. This is not the first time the player has criticized van Gaal, as he had previously made similar comments in 2021.
Despite Di María's scathing remarks, van Gaal responded by attributing the player's struggles at Manchester United to personal issues rather than coaching deficiencies. Van Gaal acknowledged Di María's talent but downplayed the criticism.
On a more positive note, Di María praised his other coaches, particularly highlighting Lionel Scaloni and Alejandro Sabella, with whom he achieved success with the Argentine national team. He also expressed deep admiration for the late Diego Maradona, whom he considered more than just a coach but a close friend and mentor.
Di María's emotional tribute to Maradona underscored the profound impact the legendary player had on his career and personal life. He emphasized Maradona's unwavering support during challenging times and credited him for helping him overcome criticism and adversity.
Ultimately, Di María's comments shed light on the complex relationships between players and coaches in the world of football, showcasing the highs and lows that come with professional sports. While his criticism of van Gaal may have stirred controversy, his admiration for other mentors like Maradona serves as a reminder of the profound influence coaches can have on their players both on and off the field.
