Physical fitness getting more important, says Van Gaal

THE HAGUE, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Physical fitness is becoming more and more important in football, stated Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal during an interview with Xinhua before his departure to Asia.

According to Van Gaal, symbolic for the trend was the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

"Physical fitness is very important because the Champions League final to me was a true fitness test," said the head coach of the Dutch national team to Xinhua.

"I think that's regrettable because footballing strength must predominate. In this final that was less. Although Arjen Robben still scored that winning goal and that was an individual action."

The fact that two German teams reached the final of the Champions League, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, is according to Van Gaal nothing new. In 2010 he also played the Champions League final with Bayern, losing 2-0 to Internazionale.

"I think German teams have always performed well in the Champions League, only they have not won the final in recent years," he declared.

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