Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has slammed a journalist who claimed he was leading a ‘revolt’ against Louis van Gaal being named new Netherlands manager.
The Netherlands parted ways with previous manager Frank de Boer earlier this summer after a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign.
Van Gaal has emerged as the frontrunner to take the job and it’d be his third stint in charge.
The Mirror had claimed senior players were against this, with captain van Dijk and vice-captain Gini Wijnaldum named.
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However, van Dijk has fired back on social media and stated the reports are entirely fake.
He explained: “This story is completely false
“It’s never been more important for journalists to tell the truth and not just make stuff up. Shame on you.”
Van Dijk didn’t feature at this summer’s tournament due to a knee injury that’s kept him out of action since October.
This story is completely false. It’s never been more important for journalists to tell the truth and not just make stuff up. Shame on you Mr. @MullockSMirror https://t.co/aYRDvqSk21
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) July 17, 2021
Under van Gaal, the Netherlands stood out at the 2014 World Cup and demolished Spain in their opening group game.
The 69-year-old also caught everyone’s attention by substituting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for Tim Krul prior to a penalty shootout against Costa Rica.
It paid off and the Oranje managed to reach the semi-finals, before falling to defeat against Argentina.
They came third overall in the tournament after beating hosts Brazil in a third-place play-off.
He left following the tournament and spent two years at Manchester United before being sacked in 2016.
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Meanwhile, van Dijk is hoping to make a return to Liverpool’s first team next season.
His injury derailed their season and despite finishing third, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for a much better campaign.
The Reds have added Ibrahima Konate to their ranks and many think he’ll be an excellent partner for van Dijk.
Van Dijk said on his official Instagram: ‘To think about next season with fans, myself be playing again
“Hopefully getting success with club and county, you know it’s something to be excited about.”
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