On September 25 at 02:45 Beijing time (20:45 CEST), the Netherlands national team will face Germany in the first matchday of the UEFA Nations League A. Ahead of the match, Van Dijk attended the team's press conference, where he addressed criticism directed at him and expressed his expectations for the new era. Related: [Van Dijk: Playing with five at the back wasn't my decision; we shouldn't have stopped at the World Cup round of 16]

Do you promise to continue playing until Euro?

Absolutely.

The World Cup elimination left bitter memories; players who missed penalties received significant racist and discriminatory abuse on social media. The Dutch Football Association reported these incidents. Will this case continue to be pursued within the team, or will it be set aside?

The case is still being followed by the Dutch Football Association. Racism remains a huge problem, and I've experienced such incidents many times in England. Social media platforms need to find solutions, and the matter is ongoing.

You're 35 years old, and historically many Dutch outfield players retire at that age. You're still maintaining a high level and are full of drive. What's your secret?

It's a dual effort, both mental and physical. Recovery, sleep, and proper nutrition day after day, with a professional team around me taking good care of me. I'm a late bloomer, which may also help. Last season was extremely demanding with many off-field issues, but being able to wear the Dutch shirt again is the greatest honour for a Dutch player. I can also serve as captain and play under a new manager. Everything is great. Thank you.

If a craftsman receives unsuitable materials, he would tell his boss. As captain, couldn't you have said: "We've always played this way, don't suddenly change tactics in a crucial match"?

Perhaps, but dwelling on the past serves no purpose. What I find unacceptable are the rumours spreading everywhere, claiming the five-at-the-back system was my idea, even suggesting that Koeman and I ruined Dutch football. Such claims are outrageous.

A year and a half ago, you said if the fixture list was too congested, you'd consider skipping the Nations League. Now, with a new manager and a new cycle, have you abandoned that idea?

Xavi has made it clear he needs me, and I need him too. I want to see this new cycle through, at least to completion. I have no doubt about that.

Your answers at today's press conference were quite brief, unlike usual. Is there a disconnect with the media? Will your role tomorrow differ from the Koeman era?

I have no problem with most of the media, but faced with so much misinformation, I'm not sure how to respond. My role tomorrow will be similar to my role at Liverpool. Observers say the new system requires defenders to push high up the pitch, but in reality, I already play very high at Liverpool every week. I feel very comfortable with this system after a few training sessions.

Normally, managers consult players when introducing a new system. Wouldn't a tactic that completely changes Dutch traditions be discussed with the captain?

Tactics are developed by the entire coaching staff, and players execute the plan that the staff believes can lead to victory. Unfortunately, the result wasn't what we expected. The plan worked almost until the 89th minute, but the fact remains that the overall performance was poor.

Beyond the team's overall performance at the World Cup, how would you assess your individual performance?

The spotlight has never been on me personally. Football is a team sport, and I don't want the focus to be on individual performances.

What are your thoughts on facing Klopp again?

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

What makes Klopp so good in your view?

His man-management skills, his ability to motivate players, his boundless energy, his consistency, his talent for reading situations and handling difficult circumstances with ease – he's a complete manager. And let's not forget his assistant Lijnders, who had an exceptional season at Manchester City last year and is equally capable in my eyes. Germany has solid tactical assets, and it will be a difficult match, but as the head coach said, we're ready.

Traduit par IA.

Le site web d'AF est désormais en ligne ! Actualités complètes, commentaires, détails des matchs et statistiques sur votre ordinateur. Visitez : www.allfootballapp.com