Virgil van Dijk rejected claims that he forced Ronald Koeman to switch Netherlands tactics at the World Cup, calling them "utter nonsense." The Liverpool captain, 35, said the team "simply failed" and that blame was being shifted onto him. Koeman used a back four in the group stages but changed formation for the Morocco match, which the Netherlands led through Cody Gakpo before losing on penalties after Issa Diop's stoppage-time equaliser. Van Dijk insisted the plan worked for 89 minutes and that he had no say in the change.

He also revealed he told new coach Xavi during a brief meeting that he wanted to continue, citing trust and appreciation.