Jurgen Klopp has hit out at Rafael van der Vaart for his comments about Virgil van Dijk at the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool star Van Dijk, now 34, was included in the Netherlands' 26-man squad for this summer's tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
He was named in his nation's starting lineup for their tournament opener against Japan, scoring as the match ended 2-2.
Van Dijk, still considered one of the best centre-backs in the world, started once again in the Netherlands' second group game against Sweden on Saturday afternoon. He played the full match as Ronald Koeman's side ran out comfortable 5-1 victors.
Van Dijk's former manager at Liverpool, Klopp, appeared on German TV ahead of the Netherlands' second game, and he felt the need to address comments made by Van der Vaart about Van Dijk.
Jurgen Klopp Slams Rafael van der Vaart
Virgil van Dijk in action for the Netherlands at the World CupPawel Andrachiewicz/PressFocus via Reuters
Van der Vaart has developed a reputation for being one of the most outspoken pundits in world football. He isn't afraid to criticise players and speak his mind.
The Dutchman was not very complimentary of Van Dijk at all for his performance against Japan. Speaking between the first and second Netherlands games, he said on NOS TV, per the Daily Mail:
"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 has now fired back at Van der Vaart as he addressed his comments about Van Dijk. He said: "I'm not entirely sure if it's worth mentioning 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."
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Virgil van Dijk Suffers Injury Scare vs Sweden
Virgil van Dijk suffers an injury in Netherlands vs Sweden at the 2026 World CupREUTERS/Phil Noble
Van Dijk suffered an injury scare against Sweden when he collapsed to the ground. The 34-year-old was able to shake off the knock and continue, though.
Speaking after the match, Van Dijk detailed the injury, revealing he 'couldn't feel his upper leg'. He told NOS TV after the match, per 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."
Netherlands currently top Group F, having picked up four points from their opening two games. They'll be looking to clinch top spot with a victory over Tunisia on Thursday, June 25.