Virgil van Dijk returned to the Netherlands camp with a new coach on the touchline and old grievances still burning. Included in Xavi’s first squad as Dutch manager, the Liverpool defender used Wednesday’s press conference to reject claims that he had influenced the tactical plan behind the country’s World Cup exit.
Van Dijk rejects Morocco formation claim
The Netherlands captain, who has won 96 caps, was responding to criticism that followed the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch were eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16 after a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 penalty-shootout defeat.
One report had suggested that Van Dijk was behind a proposal to use a five-man defence for that match. The centre-back firmly denied it.
“One of your colleagues said I had suggested playing with five defenders against Morocco. That is ridiculous,” Van Dijk said. “The story was blown up as though it explained why we were eliminated. It did not. The tactical plan is not my responsibility and, at this moment, I do not see us playing with five at the back.”
Anger at summer criticism
Van Dijk also criticised the treatment he and former Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman received in the Dutch media over the summer.
“A lot of nonsense was spread to present me as the worst enemy,” he said. “Ronald Koeman and I were made the people to blame, as if we had destroyed Dutch football. It happens far too often, so I responded. This has gone much too far.”
The Liverpool player argued that coverage has a major influence on the public perception of the national team and its leading figures. He also expressed frustration at the contrast between his reputation in the Netherlands and the regard he feels he receives abroad.
“You and your colleagues play an important part in the image that is created,” Van Dijk told reporters.
A first window under Xavi
- Xavi, a 2010 World Cup winner with Spain, named Van Dijk in his first Netherlands squad as head coach.
- The Netherlands will face Germany on Thursday at 20:45.
- Their international window will then include a match against Greece and two fixtures against Serbia.
