Van Dijk dismisses ‘ridiculous’ claims over Netherlands’ World Cup tactics

Virgil van Dijk has rejected claims that he pressured former Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman into changing his tactics during the team’s 2026 World Cup last-32 tie against Morocco.

The 35-year-old Liverpool defender was part of the Netherlands side eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the first knockout round.

Van Dijk decided against retiring from international football and has committed to another two years with the Netherlands under their new manager, Xavi.

The defender was speaking at a tense press conference before Xavi’s first major international match, against Germany in the UEFA Nations League.

The Netherlands had used a back four during the group stage under Koeman before switching to a back five for their opening knockout match against Morocco.

Van Dijk was also asked about criticism from a Dutch journalist who claimed he had been giving the media short answers.

“I am very open,” he said.

“Sometimes certain things have to be said, don’t they? Otherwise, we just sit here listening to all the complaints. I have no problem with the majority of the media. I never have.

“When nonsense is going around, how else am I supposed to respond?”

Van Dijk is expected to start for the Netherlands in Xavi’s first match in charge. He will come up against a familiar figure in former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is preparing for his first game as Germany boss.

Klopp was told about the criticism directed at Van Dijk and defended his former Reds captain, saying he had been unfairly singled out following the Netherlands’ World Cup exit.

“I think you know yourselves that you are quite critical. Virgil could confirm that to you,” Klopp told reporters.

“Our German journalists are also pretty good [at criticism], but perhaps you are not much less severe. I have not really followed the Dutch press, but I imagine you were not happy with the elimination.

“Then the captain receives even more criticism. Virgil has had many great moments in his career, as well as a few less good ones.

“Because he is not only present physically but is normally also recognised for his performances, I can imagine that he is targeted a little more than the others.”

The Netherlands and Germany will meet at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on Thursday evening in their opening Group 2 match in League A of the UEFA Nations League.

Serbia and Greece are also in the group.