Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has dismissed “completely baseless” claims he influenced former head coach Ronald Koeman’s tactics at the World Cup.
In an unusually spiky press conference with the Dutch media the Netherlands skipper said it was “utter nonsense” he had been involved in any tactical shifts which led to their round-of-16 exit to Morocco.
“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.
“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.
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“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.”
The 35-year-old could win his 100th cap in the current international break if he plays in all four of the Netherlands’ Nations League matches against Germany, Greece and Serbia (twice).
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However, he admits he considered his international future after losing to Morocco on penalties, but quickly resolved to continue after speaking with new boss Xavi.
“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,” the defender added.
“What he said? 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.”
