Virgil van Dijk after the Netherlands’ 3-2 defeat to Italy: “We have to look very carefully in the mirror, everyone has to take responsibility in this.” | OneFootball

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk felt ashamed after Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Italy in the Nations League. Speaking to NOS after the dismal display, the Liverpool defender said ‘It was just bad. We have to look very carefully in the mirror. Everyone has to take responsibility in this.’

Head coach Ronald Koeman was hoping to see a reaction from his side after Wednesday’s 4-2 defeat to Croatia in the Nations League semi-final. There was no reaction from the Netherlands. Italy led 2-0 after just 20 minutes, which resulted in Koeman making a triple substitution at halftime. When asked if there is reason to panic, Virgil van Dijk said ‘Well a bit yes.’ He continued by saying ‘We talked a lot among ourselves this week. This should not happen. We were often late in putting pressure. This should not happen. We have to look at this carefully. Especially in view of the important internationals in September. We have to see this as a learning moment.’

The Netherlands host Greece in a Euro qualifier on the 7th of September. An away game against Ireland follows three days later. The Dutch will have to up their game under Ronald Koeman if they want to earn positive results.

GBeNeFN | Hugo Hargreaves