Created on 01-07-2009 at 00:00 AM
Louis van Gaal cut an impressive figure in his maiden news conference as Bayern head coach, not just for his fluent German, but also with a string of statements designed to gladden the hearts of officials and fans alike. “Mia san mia [a Bavarian saying roughly meaning ‘We are who we are’] and I am who I am,” the club’s first Dutch coach declared. “Assured, arrogant, dominant, honest, hard-working, innovative, but warm and family-oriented – that about sums up my personality,” the 57-year-old stated. “And that’s why I think I’ll fit in here. The culture at Bayern Munich and the Bavarian attitude to life are made to measure for me.”
A dozen cameras were trained on Van Gaal, and some 60 reporters scribbled furiously as the new supremo addressed his first media gathering at the Säbener Strasse. “I’m proud and delighted to be working at such a big club,” he said in near-perfect German. “I studied the language five days a week from 9 am to 6 pm,” he continued. “It’s unbelievable how much German Louis has learned in recent weeks,” commented Uli Hoeneß, “he’s given a really impressive speech to the team.”