Virgil van Dijk has strongly rejected accusations that he dictated former head coach Ronald Koeman’s tactical setup during the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign, branding the allegations "completely baseless".
Addressing Dutch reporters in a tense press conference, the Liverpool captain and national team skipper called suggestions that he drove tactical changes prior to their last-32 elimination by Morocco "utter nonsense".
Directing his response to a journalist, 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."
He added: "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.
"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."
Should the 35-year-old feature in each of the Netherlands’ four upcoming Nations League fixtures - comprising matches against Germany, Greece, and two ties against Serbia - he will reach the landmark of 100 international caps.
Following the penalty shoot-out defeat to Morocco, the defender contemplated stepping back from international football before deciding to stay on after discussions with new boss Xavi, whose appointment was confirmed last month.
"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," Van Dijk said.
"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."
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