Van Dijk admitted Koeman’s decision to vacate his role as the Netherlands boss for Barcelona was disappointing, but he understood his reasons.
Ronald Koeman has replaced Quique Setien as Barcelona manager following the Catalan club’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals last month.
The Dutchman, who previously starred in the Blaugrana defense between 1989 and 1995, had always wished to return to coach the club someday.
Despite this dream, Koeman previously turned down the role in January to lead the Netherlands to Euro 2020. Considering recent events, however, he couldn’t say no when Barcelona called again.
The former Southampton and Everton boss was submitted to hospital earlier this year with a heart problem. That, on top of the COVID-19 pandemic suspending Euro 2020, convinced him to take his chance at finally coaching Barcelona.
That was a bit of a scare, last weekend.
For myself, of course, but especially for my family, and for my friends.
Fortunately, the AMC doctors were quick to help me and acted wonderfully, for which I am very grateful.
Such an event really helps bring you down to earth. pic.twitter.com/MVM7xyjg1E— Ronald Koeman (@RonaldKoeman) May 7, 2020
He promptly activated a clause in his contract with the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) to release him from his role to head to Camp Nou on a two-year deal.
“We are all disappointed to see such a great national coach leave, but we give him this wholeheartedly,” said Virgil van Dijk as quoted on Football-Orange.
“You can ask each player in the squad piece by piece, everyone will have that feeling. This was his big dream.
“This time in which we live, the corona time with all the uncertainty that comes with it, the European Championship that will not take place one hundred percent with certainty … If such an opportunity comes along, I can understand it.”
All the best trainer! 🧡🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/TfWdrovMB7
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) August 19, 2020
The Liverpool defender also revealed that Koeman informed him personally of his decision to leave the Dutch national team, but insists he didn’t try to talk him out of it.
“I didn’t try to persuade him to stay then,” added Van Dijk.
“It was of course also coming for a while. Nobody expected it to have happened so quickly, but we are very happy for him. Now we have to move on.”
Dwight Lodeweges, who was Koeman’s assistant until recently, has taken charge of the Netherlands on an interim basis for their Nations League games against Poland on Friday and Italy on September 7.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Netherlands
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
