Dick Advocaat: I don't care about Louis van Gaal ahead of Sunderland's clash with Man Utd

Dick Advocaat says friendship will count for nothing this weekend

DICK ADVOCAAT says his friendship with Louis van Gaal will be forgotten for Sunderland's trip to Old Trafford this weekend.

 

The Dutch duo are close friends from their time spent in the Eredivisie with Sparta Rotterdam in the early 1980s.

However, niceties will be brushes aside for Saturday's clash as Sunderland look to get off the bottom of the Premier League.

 

And Louis van Gaal will no doubt be looking to keep the pressure on great rivals City, who are yet to drop a point in the league this season.

Advocaat said: "We played together, so I know him well and know his family.

 

“But we don’t play against the coach, we’re playing against United.

“It’s a great pitch, great stadium, what more do you need? It makes no sense to be negative about them. That doesn’t help my team.”

And the Sunderland boss' connection with van Gaal is not his only link with United, as he admits he knows one or two of the players well.

 

He gave Memphis Depay his debut at PSV Eindhoven, worked with Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Romero at AZ Alkmaar, and also knows Dutch international midfielder Daley Blind.

However he admits any insider knowledge he has on those players will count for very little in tomorrow's game (3.00pm).

 

Louis van Gaal and Dick Advocaat pictured in 1995

“I gave Depay his debut, I know Romero a little bit, not that well because he left, and Blind,” he said.

“For me, it’s not so important. We have a great relationship with Kolarov at Man City as well, from my time coaching Serbia.

“Of course, it’s nice to see people that you know.”