Depending on the veracity of toxicity between van der Gaag and (some of?) the players*, this could be addressing that.
*Depending on who's the actual problem here, this would be a fair decision. God knows the talk about a detrimental and untouchable clique in the team for years makes me concerned.
It might very well be true about Van der Gaag, but we've heard similar gripes about nearly every coach for the past ten years.
'Too prescriptive' / 'not clear enough'
'Too nice' / 'Too nasty'
'Too inexperienced' / 'Out of touch'
'Too hands off' / 'too involved'
Delete as appropriate
Every coach has his pros & cons, the problem is every one of coaches weaknesses is weaponised against them as part of player power.
And before anyone says 'this isn't the same group of players' etc. etc. it's irrelevant. Culture is contagious. The virus started under Moyes and has infected many since through the years.
I'd be buzzing if Ruud joins our staff, all said. I hope he has the right personality to get the best out of this group, because there's no doubt about his technical ability.