His resignation was already accepted by the president. But the players went to the president to say he should withdraw the acceptance, he was happy to continue with Van Gaal. But the players had to go to the managers house to convince the man himself, and they did (you see, he isn't that stubborn).
The Dutch football press estimated that AZ would make it to 13th the next season. I think it was the 3rd match of that season he lost 3-0 and the whole presser was gloating about his upcoming sacking, but he said he was very satisfied with the match, they played very well and he had no worries. Everybody was stunned first, but laughed at him later. This was the last match he lost until they had won the league comfortably.