Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal rewards Senegalese journalist with 'big fat hug'

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Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal responded to praise from a Senegalese journalist by offering – and delivering – a 'big fat hug'

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal speaks to the media at the World Cup in Qatar.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal reacted to praise from a Senegalese journalist by offering – and later delivering – a 'big hat hug' to the reporter.

The Oranje beat Senegal 2-0 in their World Cup opener on Monday, thanks to late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen – both following mistakes from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Van Gaal's side now face Ecuador on Friday and speaking in a press conference ahead of that match, the Dutch coach was surprised by a journalist who did not have a question but said he wanted to use the opportunity to tell the former Manchester United manager he was a 'fan' of the 71-year-old.

"I can hug you," Van Gaal responded. "I'll give you a big fat hug later on. I think it's great that you said this. People don't often say these things to me. So I'm going to give you a big fat hug."

And true to his word, Van Gaal embraced the young reporter in front of a packed press room, while right-back Denzel Dumfries applauded the gesture.

Senegal meet Qatar in Group A at 13:00 GMT on Friday, with Netherlands in action against Ecuador three hours later in Doha.

Ben Hayward
Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.