A recent report claimed that Netherlands national team's links with Van Gaal led to a revolt in the Dutch dressing room
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has hit back at a journalist for claiming he is leading a player revolt against the appointment of Louis van Gaal as the new Netherlands boss.
Despite some promising performances in the group stages of Euro 2020 – netting eight times in their first three games – Holland exited the competition in disappointing fashion after a 2-0 defeat to Czech Republic in the last 16.
Shortly afterwards, manager Frank de Boer elected to leave his position, saying the pressure placed on him as manager of the national team was ‘not a healthy situation’.
Despite retiring from coaching, Van Gaal has emerged as the leading candidate to take over from De Boer in what would be his third stint as manager of the Oranje.
But a recent report from the Mirror claimed the links with Van Gaal had led to a revolt in the Dutch dressing room, alleging that skipper Van Dijk and vice-captain Gini Wijnaldum were leading the backlash.
It was suggested that some players wanted former Chelsea assistant Henk ten Cate to be placed in charge instead, but Van Dijk has absolutely blasted the report.
‘This story is completely false,’ wrote the 30-year-old, quote-tweeting the offending story and tagging the reporter in his post.
'It's never been more important for journalists to tell the truth and not just make stuff up. Shame on you Mr Simon Mullock.'