were knocked out by Morocco<\/a> on penalties in the round of 32.<\/p>\nThe 35-year-old 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.<\/p>\n
“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,” Van Dijk told one reporter.<\/p>\n
“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”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, a stoppage-time equaliser from Issa Diop sent the game to extra-time and eventually penalties which saw Koeman’s side crash out.<\/p>\n
“The plan is devised by the staff. Nonsense is being spread so that I look even worse. That happens far too often,” Van Dijk said.<\/p>\n
“I was told that it was my fault we played with five, that Ronald Koeman and I have destroyed Dutch football.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
“I’m super open,” Van Dijk continued when asked why he was giving short answers during the press conference.<\/p>\n
“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?”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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,” he added.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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