Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has condemned suggestions that he forced former coach Ronald Koeman to change his tactics at the 2026 World Cup.
Van Dijk captained his country during the tournament, where they were knocked out by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32.
The 35-year-old defender has retained his captaincy under new boss Xavi, and was involved in a frosty confrontation with a journalist during a spiky press conference ahead of Netherlands’ Nations League clash with Germany on Thursday.
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”.
Koeman utilised a back four throughout the group stages of the World Cup, but switched formation for the game against Morocco which the Netherlands led thanks to 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.
Van Dijk added: “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.
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“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.”
With Xavi now at the helm, Van Dijk said he is motivated to continue with the Netherlands as they begin their Nations League campaign before next year’s Euro 2028 qualifiers.
The Liverpool defender added: “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.”
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