Van Gaal to stay on despite Inter defeat

News
By published

MUNICH - Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal will not leave before the end of the season despite the German side's exit in the Champions League last 16 to holders Inter Milan on Tuesday, the club said.

The Dutchman will depart after the current campaign, a year earlier than the end of his contract, after Bayern, who won the domestic double and lost to Inter in the Champions League final last season, missed out on any silverware this year.

They were beaten 3-2 by holders Inter, after winning 1-0 in Italy and leading 2-1 at halftime, to go out on away goals.

"Look, we are all disappointed with the result but what we have decided still stands," said Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Bayern said in a statement last week that Van Gaal would leave once the season was over due to a difference in "team philosophy".

"What we must do now is focus on clinching the second spot in the Bundesliga to secure our automatic qualification for the Champions League next season," added Rummenigge.

"It is a bitter result but we need to stick with it and keep going. We all know it is difficult but that is what we must do," said Rummenigge.