Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has sent a message on social media after his country crashed out of the World Cup at the hands of Morocco earlier this week
20:43, 06 Jul 2026Updated 20:58, 06 Jul 2026
Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands.
Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands.(Image: Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has issued an emotional statement to Netherlands fans after his country's early World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco.
Ronald Koeman's side lost on penalties in Mexico with Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missing from the spot in the last-32. The African team will take on France next having since also eliminated Canada, with one of Portugal, Spain, the US or Belgium awaiting in a potential semi-final on that side of the tournament.
"As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud," Van Dijk says. "To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day.
"A lot has been said and that is for another day. Now is about accepting that we failed, and we take full responsibility for that.
"I’d like to thank our traveling fans and everyone back home who believed in us and stood by us until the end. We saw you, and we felt your support every step of the way."
Head coach Koeman, who left Liverpool man Jeremie Frimpong out of his squad for the competition, resigned a few days ago, with Arne Slot thought to be among the candidates to take over.
MONTERREY - Virgil van Dijk or the Netherlands during the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout phase match between the Netherlands and Morocco at the Monterrey Stadium on June 29, 2026, in Monterrey, Mexico. KOEN VAN WEEL / ANP (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
Should the former Liverpool boss take over the main role with his country, he would reunite with Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo too, who he worked with at Anfield.
Hypothetically, Slot's first game in charge could be against Jurgen Klopp, who is expected to take the Germany job from Julian Nagelsmann.
The Netherlands will meet Die Mannschaft in the UEFA Nations League in September, during an extended international break.
"The timing even now is not perfect because I am currently under contract with Red Bull, but it is still better than it has ever been," Klopp said on Magenta TV.
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"When I stopped at Liverpool, I lacked the energy for even one more year with the club, and I’m more than recharged now."
Talks are expected to be held imminently between Klopp's agent, the Red Bull group, with whom he is currently employed, and the German FA.
Van Dijk, meanwhile, will return to Liverpool earlier than expected for pre-season, where he will meet up with new head coach Andoni Iraola for the first time since he replaced Slot at the end of last term.