Louis van Gaal will put up his “iron shield” and do battle with those who criticise his methods at Manchester United.
Van Gaal faces the biggest test of his reign as United boss today when unbeaten league leaders Chelsea come to Old Trafford.
United’s pre-season record under Van Gaal was impeccable, but since then the Red Devils have only taken 12 points from a possible 24 to lie sixth in the Premier League.
Van Gaal’s decision to play 5-3- 2 at the start of the season was heavily criticised and he also came under fire for failing to add experienced defenders to his squad.
A third league defeat of the season, this time at the hands of his former protege Jose Mourinho, would lead to further criticism of his reign, but Van Gaal is not interested in what his doubters have to say.
“Maybe you know that I am always a controversial person and a lot has written about that, but I (have) an iron shield,” the United boss said. “It’s been like that since I came to England.
“I have learned not to react and to believe in myself, my players and staff. That’s important.”
Mourinho, who worked under Van Gaal at Barcelona, often credits the Dutchman as a big influence on his career. But Van Gaal said: “He talks about Louis van Gaal and also [Sir] Bobby Robson, and I appreciate that, but you always do it by yourself.”