Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hit back at ex-Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart for his comments about star defender Virgil van Dijk at the FIFA World Cup.
Van Dijk came under criticism for his uncharacteristically inconsistent defensive performance in the Oranje's 2-2 draw with Japan (June 14). Although he scored the opening goal in the game in the 51st minute, he was outjumped by Koki Ogawa for the Samurai Blue's 89th-minute equalizer.
During NOS' half-time show in that game, van der Vaart lambasted the Dutch captain for his inability to adjust and turn in tight spaces. The 43-year-old likened him to a 'Boeing 747' airplane, saying (via GOAL):
"I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk. With him, I thought: that doesn’t look good. Especially while turning. It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament."
Klopp enjoyed a highly successful partnership with van Dijk at Liverpool between 2018 and 2024. The centre-back made 270 appearances under the German tactician, winning one Champions League title, two Premier League titles and several other trophies together.
Speaking in his role as an expert for MagentaTV ahead of their 5-1 win over Sweden, Klopp lashed out at van der Vaart's comments about his former protege. The 59-year-old said:
"I'm not entirely sure if it's worth mentioning Rafael van der Vaart. But if he ever says something positive about any player at some point, then I'll be happy to take him seriously again. You get the feeling he sees something, and then it has to be formulated in a flowery way, and then he's really against it. But that way it's really not important."
With four points in their first two FIFA World Cup games, the Netherlands are on the brink of qualification into the Round of 32.
"I couldn't feel my upper leg anymore" - Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk gives update on injury scare in 5-1 win vs Sweden at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Netherlands demolished Sweden 5-1 to record the first victory of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign (June 20). While the result was a positive one, skipper Virgil van Dijk's injury scare briefly created panic among the Dutch staff and supporters.
The 34-year-old took a heavy blow to his hip and had to be helped back onto his feet by his teammates. Despite the knock, he played the full 90 minutes and gave an update on his injury in a post-match interview with NOS.
The Liverpool man said (via GOAL):
"I took a hard hit to my hip and I couldn’t feel my upper leg anymore, so that was a little bit crazy. But it was probably just a pinched nerve... I think it is not too bad, but we will see shortly."
With a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the cards, Dutch fans will be hoping that van Dijk's injury is not a severe one.