The Netherlands will face Germany in a UEFA Nations League match. Before the game, captain Van Dijk spoke with Dutch media, reflecting on the important break he took after the Netherlands' World Cup elimination. He acknowledged that the exhaustion over the past 14 months stems not only from a packed schedule but also from psychological fatigue.

Virgil, how are you doing? Is everything alright?

Yes, everything is good.

Are you looking forward to this?

Of course.

With the new national team coach, does this feel like the start of a new school year, a fresh beginning?

Yes, absolutely. There's a completely new coaching staff, so it really is a fresh start.

In what ways do you feel that?

We communicate with each other in English. The new coach is a world-class player, and everyone has great respect for him. We're all very much looking forward to what comes next.

Going back a few months to the World Cup, how was your break afterward? How did you spend it?

I had a very enjoyable vacation.

Were you able to put everything behind you before the break? Not think about the team's elimination and all that?

Of course, I still think about it—that's normal. But I did have a very enjoyable vacation.

I'm asking this because you've been through a lot with the Dutch national team. You've had a very successful career, and the team went far in that tournament. Elimination is a huge blow for an athlete, and for a person too. So I'm curious, after the team was eliminated, how did you process all of that? After all, millions of people were watching—it's not a small thing.

It certainly isn't a small thing. But I've been living this life for years now. Fortunately, as I just said, I had a very enjoyable vacation. It was also a well-deserved rest for me. I spent time with family and friends, and I really enjoyed that period.

Of course, everyone then asks: will Virgil continue playing for the Dutch national team? Were you certain from the start that you wanted to continue, or did you have doubts?

I really needed that break to recover from everything I'd been through before. My next meeting with the national team coach was also very important to me. I wanted to know what he was thinking, and almost immediately after that meeting, I understood his intentions.

He wanted you to stay.

Yes.

That's good. Did you yourself feel at that point that you could enjoy at least two more years here?

Yes.

No doubts about that?

Look, you have to consider all aspects together. Of course, the team's overall performance is important, because it's not just about me; it requires effort from everyone. Also, as you mentioned at the beginning, with the arrival of the new national team coach, we're also starting a new cycle. But beyond that, other aspects are equally important. You always want to play in a place where you're valued and where you're happy. I'm really looking forward to at least the next two years here.

So, I don't want to put words in your mouth, but have you rediscovered your passion? Or how would you describe how you're feeling now?

It's not quite like that. After that difficult period, I really needed that break. But it's not just about the matches. Matches certainly have a big physical impact. What's more important is the psychological impact, and everything we've been through. I'm not talking about myself personally, but about the entire team. We've won, we've lost, and we've also experienced other things at our clubs.

Yes, I understand. You experienced something truly devastating up close at your club. Now with the national team, you're dealing with the passing of a former coach's wife. I know you're experienced, but as team captain, you also have to look after the other players. Does this make you feel very burdened?

Burdened... Look, I don't want people to feel sorry for me, but I understand what you're getting at.

No, that's not what I meant at all.

However, I certainly feel that responsibility. Whatever happens, that won't change, and it's something I have to carry. I also don't want to keep dwelling on the past, like what happened last year or other things. I prefer to look forward, and the coach feels the same way.

Speaking of looking forward, tomorrow will be a completely different situation. What should we expect?

How do you say it in English? I think it's "work in progress"—we're still coming together gradually. It takes time, and we've been working hard. We trained twice yesterday. On the first day, we already did some tactical work and had a few meetings. We'll have more meetings tonight, and training intensity will also increase a bit later. In short, we'll give our best.

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