Stoichkov labels Van Gaal “scum”

Former Barcelona star Hristo Stoichkov has fired an amazing broadside at Louis Van Gaal by labelling the Manchester United boss “scum”.

Stoichkov worked under the Dutchman at Barcelona and blames him for bringing his second spell with the Catalans to an end following his appointment in 1997.

The Bulgarian, who was no stranger to controversy during his playing days – he was once suspended for two months for stamping on a referee’s foot – also claims Van Gaal was disrespectful towards his wife.

“I have no respect for him, he’s scum,” the Daily Mirror quotes the 49-year-old as saying in an interview with L’Equipe.

“One day, when I was injured, I was with my wife at the Camp Nou and Van Gaal went up to her and asked her how it was possible she had married someone like me.

“She replied that I was a Ballon d'Or winner. My departure from the club in 1998 was Van Gaal’s fault for sure.”

Stoichkov also gave his opinion on Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who worked at Barca as an interpreter and assistant to Sir Bobby Robson during his time in charge of the Blaugrana.

“I don’t think Mourinho was just an interpreter or assistant. He was already a Coach but he never though he was worth more than Robson.

“Mourinho understood everything. He knew everything about our team and our opponents.”

Five-time La Liga winner Stoichkov also picked up a European Cup winners medal in 1992 but made just four La Liga appearances in a season under Van Gaal, before returning to his native country with CSKA Sofia.

Tags Manchester United Stoichkov Van Gaal
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