Van Dijk hits out at 'utter nonsense' claims he forced Koeman's World Cup switch
Virgil van Dijk has hit back at suggestions that he forced former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman into changing his tactics during the World Cup, labelling the claims "utter nonsense" in a frosty exchange with a reporter.
The Liverpool defender captained his country during the tournament, where they were knocked out by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32. Now 35, Van Dijk has retained the captaincy under new national team boss Xavi, and fronted a spiky press conference ahead of the Netherlands' Nations League clash with Germany on Thursday.
Back-five row boils over
Koeman utilised a back four throughout the group stages of the World Cup, but switched formation for the decisive game against Morocco, which the Netherlands led thanks to a goal from Cody Gakpo. However, a stoppage-time equaliser from Issa Diop sent the game to extra-time and eventually penalties, which saw Koeman's side crash out.
Addressing one reporter directly, Van Dijk said: "One of your colleagues also said, of course, that it was my idea to switch to playing with a back five. That is utter nonsense.
"The fact is we simply failed at the World Cup. Those are the hard facts. We didn't play a good World Cup. It's not about me. You perform together. You're a team. Your claim that I destroyed Dutch football after the World Cup - that sort of thing is completely baseless."
The defender claimed media in the Netherlands had accused him of having "ruined Dutch football" after allegedly telling Koeman to change formation against Morocco, adding: "The plan is devised by the staff. Nonsense is being spread so that I look even worse. That happens far too often.
"I was told that it was my fault we played with five, that Ronald Koeman and I have destroyed Dutch football. The plan worked for 89 minutes, even though it was a bad match. We almost broke through. The idea that I destroyed Dutch football makes absolutely no sense. I didn't decide that."
Van Dijk explains the frosty tone
When asked why he was giving short answers during the press conference, Van Dijk insisted: "I'm super open. Sometimes things need to be said, right? Otherwise you're just listening to all the whining. With most of the media, I have zero issues. Never have. When nonsense gets put out into the world, how else am I supposed to deal with that?"
With Xavi now at the helm, Van Dijk says he is motivated to continue with the Netherlands as they begin their Nations League campaign before next year's Euro 2028 qualifiers.
"I needed a holiday with my family and then an important meeting with the national coach. After 10 seconds it was already clear that I would continue. What did he say? That I am Virgil van Dijk. It is about trust, appreciation, how important you are for the team. Physically there is - and was - no doubt but you also want to feel appreciation and pleasure."