Someone get on the phone to Julian Nagelsmann.

According to the legendary Louis van Gaal, he was in the running to coach Germany at the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking on Dutch show Pauw & De Wit, he said: “I’m 74 years old, even though I look 55.

“But you have to be realistic. I don’t think you’ll get a top country as national coach anymore.

“I was in the running. For which country? Germany. They can deny it, but I’m just saying it. For the upcoming World Cup? Yes. But I also felt that Germany would never hire a foreign national coach.”

Currently working as an advisor at Ajax having not coached since 2022 when he stepped away to deal with a prostate cancer diagnosis, Van Gaal has revealed his conditions to return to the dugout.

“I’m hoping for a country like the United States,” he said, ruling out club management.

“Mentally strong players, I think I can do anything with them. Or Australia. Or England, but they’ve made their choice.”