Van Dijk slams English journalist over Van Gaal revolt story
Carlo Garganese
- 18 Jul 2021 12:56 BST
- 3 min read
Virgil van Dijk has slammed an English journalist for writing a story which claimed the defender had led a squad revolt against Louis van Gaal returning as Netherlands national team coach.
Holland are currently looking for a new manager following the recent resignation of Frank de Boer.
Recently most read
De Boer departed his post following a disappointing Euro 2020 tournament in which the Netherlands were eliminated in the last 16 by the Czech Republic.
Who will be the new Netherlands coach?
Van Gaal is the current favourite to become the new coach in what would be his third spell as national team boss.
But the Daily Mirror wrote a story that Van Dijk was one of the leaders of a group of influential Dutch players trying to stop Van Gaal’s appointment.
Instead, the group were said to be pushing for the hiring of former Chelsea assistant Henk ten Cate.
This report has prompted a furious reaction from Van Dijk on social media.
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
"This story is completely false," Van Dijk wrote on Twitter. "It’s never been more important for journalists to tell the truth and not just make stuff up. Shame on you Mr Mullock."
Van Dijk missed Euro 2020 following knee surgery but is well on his way to recover in time for the new Premier League season.
Van Gaal's previous Netherlands' jobs
Van Gaal himself turns 70 next month and has been out of football since leaving Manchester United in 2016.
His first spell as Netherlands coach was an unsuccessful one between 2000 and 2002 as he failed to qualify a wonderful generation for the World Cup.
But his second spell from 2012 to 2014 was far more successful as he took Holland to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
