Van Gaal: I warned Januzaj against Dortmund

Sarah Winterburn

Louis van Gaal claims that he warned Adnan Januzaj against joining Borussia Dortmund on loan as he would struggle for games.

The Belgian has not started a single Bundesliga game since switching to Dortmund and Van Gaal clearly believes the move was a mistake.

Januzaj’s attitude has been questioned in the German media and last week he turned down a call-up to the Belgium Under-21 side.

“In a club like Borussia Dortmund all the players there are also of a certain level and I said in advance that’s a big risk for you because you have to compete with other players of a higher level and that is not so easy.” said Van Gaal.

“It’s the same thing as in Manchester United. He has to compete with higher level players. I want him to play all the matches and that is why I want to play him also in the Premier League but he chose for Borussia Dortmund.

“I am certain he has the talent to play but he has to learn a lot of things. Not only is talent important but also it is the character to develop your talent. And he can learn that.”