At 02:45 Beijing time (20:45 CEST) on September 25, the Dutch national team will face Germany in the first match of UEFA Nations League A. Before the game, Van Dijk attended the team's press conference, where he addressed criticism directed at him and expressed his expectations for the new era. Related link: [Van Dijk: If we play with five defenders, it's not my decision; we shouldn't have been eliminated in the World Cup group stage]

Do you promise to play until Euro 2024?

Absolutely.

The World Cup elimination left bitter memories, and players who missed penalties received significant racist and discriminatory abuse on social media. The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) reported this, but will the team continue to monitor it internally, or will it be left aside?

The case is still being investigated by the KNVB. Racism remains a major problem, and I've experienced it many times in England. Social media platforms need to provide solutions. The case is still ongoing.

You're 35 years old. Many Dutch outfield players in history have retired at this age, but you maintain a high level and remain passionate. What's your secret?

It takes a dual effort—mental and physical. Recovery, sleep, and proper nutrition day after day, with a professional team around me taking good care of me. Developing later in my career may have also helped. Last season was extremely turbulent with many off-field issues, but being able to wear the Dutch shirt again is the greatest honor for a Dutch player. I can also serve as captain and play under a new coach, which is wonderful.

If a craftsman receives inadequate materials, he raises the issue with his boss. As captain, couldn't you have said: "We always play like this; don't suddenly change tactics in a crucial match"?

Perhaps I did raise the issue, but dwelling on the past doesn't make sense. What I find unacceptable is the widespread claim that the five-defender system was my idea, or even that Koeman and I ruined Dutch football. That's going too far.

Eighteen months ago, you said you'd consider skipping the Nations League if the schedule was too demanding. Now, with a new coach and a new cycle, have you abandoned that idea?

Klopp made it clear that he needs me, and I also need him. I want to see this new cycle through, at least to the end. I have no doubts about that.

Your answers at today's press conference were quite brief, which is unusual for you. Is there tension with the media? Will your role tomorrow be different compared to the Koeman era?

I don't have issues with most of the media, but with so many false rumors circulating, I don't know how to respond. Tomorrow, my role will be similar to my role at Liverpool. People say the new system requires defenders to push forward significantly, but in reality, I already play very high up the pitch at Liverpool every week. I found this system very adaptable in recent training sessions.

Usually, when a coach introduces a new system, he consults with the players. Wouldn't a tactic that completely overturns Dutch traditions be discussed with the captain?

Tactics are developed by the entire coaching staff, and players execute the plan that the coaching staff believes will lead to victory. Unfortunately, the result wasn't what we expected; the plan nearly worked until the 89th minute, but it's a fact that our overall performance was poor.

Beyond the team as a whole, how do you assess your individual performance at the World Cup?

I never focus on myself personally. Football is a collective sport, and I don't want the spotlight on individual performance.

What are your thoughts about facing Klopp again?

I'm really looking forward to it. He's been an extremely important person in my career. I briefly met him during the World Cup at a training facility in Dallas, and our conversation was very pleasant. Both he and Koeman mean a lot to me, and I have great respect for them. I hope I can make him lose his first match as Germany's coach tomorrow.

What do you think makes Klopp excellent?

His people management, his ability to motivate players, his abundant energy and consistency, his ability to understand situations and navigate difficulties with ease. He's a complete coach. Don't forget his assistant Lijnders, who performed exceptionally at Manchester City last year and is equally capable in my view. Germany's tactical strength is formidable, and it will be a difficult match, but as the coach said, we're ready.

Traduzido por IA.

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