Van Dijk about Van Gaal's statements on Messi: 'Don't agree with his opinion'

Virgil van Dijk does not feel that the World Cup in Qatar was a premeditated plan for Lionel Messi to become world champion. The Orange captain is responding to statements made by former national coach Louis van Gaal last night.

"I heard it this morning, indeed," says Van Dijk. "And that's actually it. It is of course his opinion. Everyone is allowed to have an opinion. I do not share the same opinion."

The Dutch team is currently preparing for the Euro 2024 qualifiers with Greece (Thursday) and Ireland (Sunday). Goalkeeper Mark Fleken, who was not selected for the World Cup in Qatar, said that the players had discussed Van Gaal's statements "a little bit" this morning.

"If it is the opinion of the ex-national coach, then he can express that opinion. I personally did not have that opinion," said Fleken, who did not want to delve deeper into the theme because he was not present in Qatar.

Van Dijk also did not want to pay any further attention to the matter. "We had a meeting this morning about the upcoming match. We think that is much more important."