Football
Virgil van Dijk says the press has gone too far with criticism: 'That is blatant nonsense'
During a press conference in Zeist ahead of the match against Germany, Liverpool defender and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk strongly rejected media claims that he personally advocated for playing five defenders against Morocco. Van Dijk stated that such allegations are "blatant nonsense" and that the tactical plan was decided by the coaching staff, not him. He expressed frustration over external criticism following the team's poor World Cup performance, noting a significant difference between the support he receives internationally versus domestically. While acknowledging the team did not perform well, Van Dijk emphasized that he felt valued internally by coach Xavi and his family-like squad environment. He concluded by expressing confidence in the team's physical capabilities to defeat Germany at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's