Van Gaal Introduces His Backroom Staff

Louis van Gaal has made a huge impression as United boss, but as well as getting guidance from assistant manager Ryan Giggs, the Dutchman brought with him a backroom team essential to his way of working. Here, he introduces them...

Frans Hoek Goalkeeping coach I've been working with Frans Hoek for more than 20 years. He is my goalkeeping coach and, for me, the goalkeeping coach has to have the same philosophy. He worked with me at Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and now in Manchester. I think it's good that he's my coach for the goalkeepers here.

Albert Stuivenberg Assistant coach I have worked with Albert now for only one year and that is peculiar for me. Normally with my coaches I always have a longstanding relationship with them, but he has so much talent this boy. I picked him up in the [Netherlands] Federation, he was my coach for the Under-21s and worked as my scout in the World Cup. He did a remarkable job and that's why I want to reward him to be my assistant here as a coach. He has made a fantastic impression on me but also on the players, that's much more important I think. But I have only known him for one year.

Marcel Bout Assistant coach/Opposition scout Marcel will scout the future opponent. I have worked with him since 2006 when I was at AZ Alkmaar. It's only a small team – maybe you have heard of them? – but with that minor club I was also the champion of the Netherlands.

Jos van Dijk Training physiologist He writes my [training] programmes, he has also been working with me since AZ. We have a very good relationship and it is very important to write the programmes that the trainer has to do. It always has to be progressive because it's important that your players are not injured because of the preparation. Until now, we are doing great but we've only had a few days working with the players.

Max Reckers Performance analyst Finally, I can't forget my computer guru – it's unbelievable because he's not only my computer guru, he's like my son. But he's not called van Gaal, his name is Max Reckers and he is a Performance Analyst. He collects all the data that we need. We have a lot of data because at Manchester United there was already a philosophy that you have to measure everything and it's called the sport science department. It's unbelievable what kind of data they have and I'm very pleased that kind of support is already arranged in Manchester. They have supported us very well, not only in sport science but also the medical department and the kit men. It's unbelievable what organisation you have to make for such a big group at such a big club.