Van Gaal eyes on Trophy at Wembley

Louis Van Gaal

Naija365 sports news
Louis van Gaal says his Manchester United players have their eyes quite literally on Wembley Stadium in a bid to mentally prepare the squad for Saturday's FA Cup final.

The Reds boss decided that he and his players would stay within a stone's throw of the national stadium, just as they did for the semi-final, in order to focus their minds on the showpiece event.

Van Gaal recalled a similar story when he was manager of Ajax and he is hoping for the same positive outcome for United as his Dutch team had at the time.

"We have selected this hotel because you can always see Wembley Stadium so it's always in their minds, it's psychological," he told MUTV in an exclusive interview on the eve of the final. "I have done that also with Ajax - they could see the stadium of Besiktas when we played there. In Turkey, you know the fans are very loud and noisy all day and I thought it was good to do that and the result was very positive also."

Van Gaal also revealed that he told the players two days ago whether or not they had made his starting XI for the final and explained how difficult it was to disappoint some.

"Yes, they've known for two days because I believe in preparation and imagination and focus so, when you communicate it very early, the focus is higher," he added.

"[Telling the players they are not in the squad] is the most difficult thing because every player has worked and given their best to perform. They are human beings and I have to compare [them] in this moment and the fans and the media don't always realise that. I have to compare and decide.

"I had to tell five players that they are not involved, four players are more or less injured so that's not as difficult and they know already. But five are out of the squad. Of course then you have to select the team from 18 to 11. It's also difficult, but it's part of my job so I cannot complain."

The Reds will be aiming to seal a record-equally 12th FA Cup triumph against Crystal Palace and van Gaal insists he is determined to ensure it's a memorable day for everyone connected to the club.

"That is my aim of course. I want to lift the cup here in England and then I have done it in four different countries, but the most important thing is the club, the players and the fans and I hope we can bring the cup home."