Former Brazil star Rivaldo has revealed how former Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal attempted to humiliate him. Rivaldo was with Barcelona from 1997 to 2002. In this time frame, the World Cup champion netted 130 goals and made 46 assists in 235 matches across various competitions. Van Gaal was Rivaldo’s coach during his initial time at Barcelona from 1997 to 2000. Under Van Gaal’s management, Rivaldo recorded 80 goals and 29 assists in 149 games across competitions. Nonetheless, their relationship wasn’t always easy. Rivaldo mentioned this in an interview with Betfair. Van Gaal prefers not to favor players who stand out or take individual actions. He is quite social. “And, naturally, I was also very social.” He restricted me; he removed all my freedom. “He brought me to a match where he rested Luis Figo, Pep Guardiola, and Luis Enrique, and instead fielded some players from the youth team.” It was a cup match, I believe against a team from the third division. “I recall Mourinho [who was part of Barça’s coaching staff at the time] telling me: ‘Hey, you play as a No.10.'” “He fielded a very average team, rested everyone, and only included me to make me look bad.” Van Gaal is presently the manager of the Netherlands national team.
Â
