Virgil van Dijk has opened up on the huge influence Jurgen Klopp has had on his career while making it clear that friendship will be put aside when the Netherlands face Germany.
Klopp is preparing for his first match as Germany head coach after taking over from Julian Nagelsmann following a disappointing World Cup campaign. His debut will come against the Netherlands on Thursday, setting up an immediate reunion with Van Dijk.
The pair shared a successful spell at Liverpool, where Klopp helped transform Van Dijk into one of the leading defenders in world football. Their relationship remains strong, but Van Dijk insists there will be no room for sentiment once the Nations League contest begins.
Speaking ahead of the match, the Netherlands captain reflected on the significance of Klopp’s role in his career.
“He is, of course, a very important person in my career,” Van Dijk said.
“I spoke to him briefly during the World Cup after a training session in Dallas. It was very, very nice.
“I have always had so much appreciation for him. It will be nice to see him, but we will make sure he loses his first match as national coach of Germany.”
Klopp’s appointment has added extra intrigue to an already highly anticipated international fixture. His first assignment in charge of Germany comes against a Netherlands side led by Xavi, giving the former Liverpool manager an immediate test against familiar opposition.
For Van Dijk, however, the reunion will be about more than simply seeing a former manager again. The defender will be tasked with helping the Netherlands begin their Nations League campaign strongly while attempting to deny Klopp the perfect start to his new international role.
The centre-back has also faced questions over his influence on Ronald Koeman’s tactical decisions during the World Cup. Van Dijk has pushed back against suggestions that he played an excessive role in shaping the team’s approach.
Those discussions have added another layer to the build-up, but the focus is now firmly on the pitch.
Klopp’s move into international management represents a major new chapter after years of club football, particularly his trophy-filled tenure at Liverpool. His first Germany match will therefore attract significant attention, with Van Dijk among the players who know his methods and personality better than most.
That familiarity could make Thursday’s encounter even more fascinating.
Despite the mutual respect between Klopp and Van Dijk, the Netherlands captain has delivered a simple message ahead of the meeting: the reunion may be emotional, but the competitive edge will remain.
Klopp may be starting a new chapter with Germany, but Van Dijk is determined to ensure his former boss has to wait for his first victory.
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