The Netherlands boss compared Di Maria to Memphis Depay, who also worked with him at Manchester United.
Louis van Gaal has reacted to Angel di Maria’s criticism of his team management at Manchester United.
The Argentine winger, who spent an unsuccessful spell under Van Gaal at Man Utd, called him “the worst coach” of his career.
Van Gaal will meet Di Maria and co when Netherlands take on Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, the experienced manager said: “The fact he would refer to me as the worst trainer, he is one of the only players to have said that.
“It’s usually the other way round. It is sad, I don’t like that Angel said that but it’s a pity… but it’s the way it is.
“A head coach has to take decisions that don’t always end well.”
He added: “But the same happened to Memphis,” he explained. “I didn’t pick him at United – and now we want to kiss each other mouth-to-mouth. We’re not going to do that now, but there you go, that’s how things happen.
“I didn’t field Memphis at the time but a head coach doesn’t do this without reason.”
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