Off the PitchDaily Mail FootballUnverified source· 23 Sept 2026
Van Dijk Clashes With Reporter Over World Cup Criticism
Virgil van Dijk hit back at a Dutch journalist who accused him of betraying the national team, forcing a press officer to step in.
V. van Dijk
player
Who
Virgil van Dijk
What
Tense exchange with reporter
When
Wednesday
Where
Press conference
What happened. Virgil van Dijk was involved in a tense press conference exchange with Dutch reporter Valentijn Driessen, who had accused him of 'betraying' the national team after the World Cup. The confrontation ended when the team's press officer intervened.
- Driessen had accused Van Dijk and former manager Ronald Koeman of betraying the team.
- Van Dijk denied claims he suggested switching to a back five at the World Cup.
- The Netherlands exited the World Cup in the round of 32, losing to Morocco on penalties.
“That is utter nonsense. The fact is we simply failed at the World Cup; those are the hard facts.”
— Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk remains part of new manager Xavi's plans as the Netherlands look to move on from their World Cup disappointment.
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