(Manchester United News)
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes he shares Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho's thirst for silverware.
The two tacticians are in direct opposition again on Saturday at Stamford Bridge and, having worked together at Barcelona, there are similarities in their make-up and pursuit of glory. Although handicapped by the absence of Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Michael Carrick, van Gaal is relishing the chance to close the gap on the Barclays Premier League leaders.
"The challenge is bigger than big," said van Gaal. "Firstly, Manchester United has not given the best results in away games and, secondly, Chelsea do not lose so much at home. So it will be very difficult.
"Chelsea play at home but I think they will be satisfied with a draw. However, of course they want to beat Manchester United and we want to beat them."
Van Gaal explains that it is trophies and titles that matter most to him, and Mourinho is no different.
"I think he has said that and I have said this also that 'we live for these titles'," stated the boss. "We are doing it for that. That's the only satisfaction - that you have a title. If you are second or third, you can still play Champions League but it is the title that is more fixed for you.
"It comes with your name and that is why managers are fixated on titles. When you reach that goal, you are happy. To be involved with the game, to be involved with young people to reach the goal is another goal of mine. That's why I am still a manager because I don't have to work anymore.
"I like to work with young people and to help them with their career."
The Reds boss did the same thing with Mourinho at Barcelona as he helped shape his coaching career by spotting the Blues chief's potential.
"He's a very good coach," explained the Dutchman. "He reads the game very well. He can make a team from individual players, they listen to him and like the manager. That cohesion is very important in a club and he always manages that.
"I don't think he's a different person [to what we see on TV]. Only in the role of manager, sometimes you have to do what he's done. He's a modest guy and no-one can imagine that. That's a pity."
