Former Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria has launched a scathing attack on his former manager, Louis van Gaal, labeling him the ‘worst’ coach he has played for throughout his illustrious career.
The Argentine, who joined United from Real Madrid in 2014 for a then-club-record fee of £59.7 million, endured a tumultuous spell at Old Trafford, making just 27 appearances and scoring three goals before moving to Paris Saint-Germain the following summer. In a recent interview, Di Maria revealed that his time under Van Gaal was a particularly difficult experience.
He was the worst manager I’ve ever played for,” Di Maria told TyC Sports. “I didn’t have a good time there at all. I don’t know what happened. I don’t know why things didn’t work out. It was a difficult time for me.”
The Argentine’s comments are a stark contrast to the praise he has heaped on other managers throughout his career. Di Maria has previously lauded the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, and Mauricio Pochettino for their impact on his development as a player.
However, Van Gaal’s tactics and management style appear to have left a lasting negative impression on Di Maria. The Argentine has suggested that the Dutchman’s rigid and defensive approach stifled his creativity and ability to express himself on the pitch.
“He wanted me to play in a position that wasn’t my natural position,” Di Maria said. “I didn’t feel comfortable. I didn’t feel like I could play my best football. It was frustrating.”
Despite his negative experiences at United, Di Maria remains a highly respected figure in the football world. The Argentine has enjoyed success at clubs like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, and he has also represented Argentina at the highest level, winning the Copa América in 2021.
In the same interview, Di Maria also paid tribute to Diego Maradona, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Argentine revealed that Maradona was one of the biggest influences on his career, and he placed the legendary No. 10 in his top three favorite players of all time.
“Maradona was a genius,” Di Maria said. “He was the best player in the world. He inspired me to play football. I always looked up to him. He was my idol.”
Di Maria’s comments about Maradona are sure to resonate with many fans of the Argentine, who continue to mourn the loss of their beloved icon. Maradona’s death in 2020 sent shockwaves through the football world, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by millions around the globe.
In addition to his admiration for Maradona, Di Maria also expressed his respect for Lionel Messi, who has been widely hailed as the greatest player of his generation. The Argentine revealed that he has always enjoyed playing alongside Messi, and he believes that the Barcelona forward is a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
“Messi is a phenomenon,” Di Maria said. “He’s the best player in the world. He’s a joy to watch. I’m lucky to have played with him. He’s a true legend.”
Di Maria’s interview provides a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the most talented footballers of his generation. The Argentine’s candid comments about Van Gaal and his admiration for Maradona and Messi are sure to spark debate among fans and pundits alike.
As Di Maria continues to make his mark on the football world, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Argentine. Whether he decides to retire from playing or continue his career, there is no doubt that he will be remembered as one of the greatest talents of his era.
