Virgil van Dijk has been involved in a heated argument with journalists during the Dutch national team's press conference in Zeist.
The Netherlands and Liverpool captain reacted harshly to some of the journalists' questions and claims, clashing particularly with Valentijn Driessen, the football editor of "De Telegraaf".
The debate began after a question from journalist Noa Vahle, which was related to the use of a five-back formation by the Netherlands in the match against Morocco at the World Cup.
Van Dijk categorically denied the claim that the scheme was chosen with his idea, calling this version "complete absurdity".
The Dutch captain said that the idea of playing with five defenders had been discussed earlier and that it was journalists who had suggested this possibility last summer.
The clash didn't stop there. Van Dijk also had tense discussions with journalists Maarten Wijffels and Martijn Krabbendam, before the debate also involved Driessen.
The conference in Zeist thus turned into a direct confrontation between the Dutch captain and some of the journalists, with Van Dijk seeking to publicly refute what he considered to be incorrect interpretations about the national team's tactical decisions.
Conversation between Driessen and Van Dijk
Driessen: Virgil, it's really tough today, isn't it? You're a little nervous. Otherwise you're a really good guy.
Van Dijk: Sometimes things have to be said. I can't just listen to that complaint all the time.
Driessen: But can you be a little more open? You're very brief in your answers.
Van Dijk: We're not having a conversation here. In the press conference you just have to ask a question.
Driessen: You are very brief in your answer. You can answer simply, can't you?
Van Dijk: I don't have a problem with most of the media and never have, but when meaningless things are made public, what should I do with them?
Driessen told him he should speak to the media outlets responsible for such claims.
"Well, aren't I talking to them now?" Van Dijk replied, after which the discussion ended.
