Netherlands national team manager Ronald Koeman has clarified his decision to send Virgil van Dijk back to Liverpool following the defender’s red card during last Friday’s Nations League match against Hungary.
Van Dijk was sent off after receiving two yellow cards within three minutes, resulting in a 1-1 draw for the Oranje.
Although the Liverpool defender initially indicated he would remain part of the squad for the upcoming match against Germany on Tuesday evening, he later confirmed his return to Merseyside ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
Koeman stated that he and his coaching staff made the decision to release the 33-year-old from the squad.
“He was a little too quick with answers.” Ronald Koeman said.
“The fact he wanted to stay with the group is of course a great attitude, but if you look at what players play in matches these days, it is logical you send him home.
“So, we as staff have made the decision to send him home.”
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven could fill in for the Liverpool captain, despite having previously played as a left-back in the match against Hungary, where he partnered with Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij in central defence.
“That is not illogical, but I will inform the players about this first. That is the normal way, now also,” Koeman confirmed.
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