Arne Slot may have had something to do with Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk’s decision to step out of the Netherlands squad early rather than remain with them for the rest of the international break.
That’s according to journalist Mike Verweij, via Voetbal Zone, who suspects the Liverpool manager may have contacted his captain to get him back to Anfield early.
Van Dijk was sent to spend the Netherlands game in this international break, the eventual 1-0 defeat to Germany, watching from the stands after being sent off in the 1-1 draw with Hungary.
The Liverpool defender was shown two yellow cards in quick succession during that game, meaning he was set to be absent for the next game and serve a suspension.
The decision naturally brought in some criticism from his home country, particularly as he is currently the Netherlands captain.
And Verweij believes that Slot might have had something to do with the decision, perhaps even getting in touch with his player to sway his plans.
“I think Virgil van Dijk received a text from Arne Slot,” Verweij said on De Telegraaf’s Kick Off podcast.
“At NOS he said very firmly that he would stay with the team, that he is the captain and that he would stay with his teammates.
“He made those statements immediately after the match. Then he went to the dressing room, and I think that’s when he got that text message from Liverpool.
“When he joined the writing press, he suddenly said: ‘Well, maybe I want to join the team, but I’m not the only one talking about it.’ Well Liverpool of course rightly said he had to come back.
“The KNVB now also says that Van Dijk shouted it a little too enthusiastically immediately after the match. I think there has been consultation with the club.”
