Van Gaal signs new contract at Bayern

(GSM) – Bayern München coach Louis van Gaal has signed a one-year contract extension which ties him to the club until June 2012.

Van Gaal had an excellent debut season at the Allianz Arena when he led the team to the German double and the Champiions League final.

So far, Bayern is struggling to find their best form as they already dropped ten points in the Bundesliga.

“I always prefer to do things that people perhaps don’t expect,” Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

“Anyone can extend contracts after a victory. So it is a very good public signal that now, after the defeat against Mainz, we continue to appreciate the value of the coach.”

Bayern said a one-year extension was what Van Gaal wanted. “He does a super job, day in, day out,” Rummenigge said. “And we rewarded that with the contract extension.”

Vice-captain Philipp Lahm said the players were pleased with the move.

“We have seen how meticulously the coach works and what progress we have made,” the Germany international said.