Louis van Gaal and I are both Dutch, but I like my teams to keep the ball... his style is militaristic, says Johan Cruyff 

• Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal famously do not get on
• Former Barcelona boss Cruyff famous for bringing in tiki-taka at Barcelona
• Criticises fellow Dutchman Van Gaal and says pair are nothing alike 

s

Johan Cruyff has reiterated his view that new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has a 'militaristic' approach to tactics, while he likes his teams to keep the ball.

Cruyff, a footballing icon as both a player and a coach, is considered the founding father of Barcelona's attacking, possession-based, tiki-taka football.

The Dutch pair famously do not get on well and in an interview with the Guardian's Donald McRae, Cruyff has once again highlighted the contrast between their philosophies.

+3

Johan Cruyff says Louis van Gaal (right) has a militaristic approach to tactics and the pair are nothing alike

+3

The Dutch Johan Cruyff legend introduced 'tiki-taka' football to Barcelona as manager in the 90s

Asked if he had a similar view on the game to Van Gaal, Cruyff said: 'No. Not much. Of course we’re both Dutch and that is always a [shared] basis. But I always think of being in charge of the speed and of the ball.

'Maybe he knows more than me but I always want control of the ball. When I don’t have control of the ball what do I do? I press to get it back. It’s a way of defending. But more important is that I like to have the ball.'

In an earlier interview, former Barcelona and Ajax star Cruyff said: 'Van Gaal has a good vision of football but it is not mine. He wants to gel winning teams and has a militaristic way of working with his tactics. I want individuals to think for themselves.'

Asked by McCrae if he still shares those views, Cruyff answered: 'Yes. But I’ve always been an individual who likes to create something himself within a team performance. So I am happy if my players start thinking.'

Louis van Gaal has journalists in stitches during press...

+3

Louis van Gaal has struggled to adapt early on in his Manchester United career

On United, Cruyff added that he thinks Van Gaal will have a tough time gelling his squad of superstars together.

The Old Trafford club spent £147million on new players including Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria, to add to a squad already boasting the likes of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

'They are all famous,' said Cruyff. 'They earn a lot of money both on and off the field. How can you create a team and bring all these egos together?'

He added: 'You can’t arrange the chemistry of the team in two weeks. It needs time.'