Jurgen Klopp has launched a scathing attack on controversial pundit Rafael van der Vaart, defending his former Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after the Dutchman made a series of critical and offensive comments during the World Cup.
Klopp defends Van Dijk
Speaking on punditry duty during the World Cup, Klopp addressed Van der Vaart's criticism of Van Dijk following Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan in their opening match. Van der Vaart had described Van Dijk's turning as 'a bit of a Boeing 747' and urged him to 'run a little faster' during the tournament.
'I don't know if it's worth naming Rafael van der Vaart at all,' Klopp said. 'But if he ever says something positive about a player, I'm willing to take him seriously again.' The former Liverpool boss added: 'You have the feeling that he sees something, which then has to be expressed in a flowery way and then he goes against it. But it's not that important.'
Van der Vaart's offensive joke
Van der Vaart's comments about Van Dijk were not the only controversy he sparked this summer. After Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan, the 43-year-old made an offensive 'joke' about Japanese players, suggesting that defender Micky van de Ven may have been confused during Daichi Kamada's equaliser because Japan's players 'look alike'.
'The perfect corner is really very difficult to defend,' Van der Vaart said on NOS. 'This one came with the right speed, just over the five-yard line. With a bit of luck it would have gone in, but the corner was amazing. They [the Japanese players] do look alike, of course, maybe he [Van de Ven] thought that… That's a joke, of course. I hardly dare say anything.'
Apology issued
Following backlash, Van der Vaart issued an apology, stating: 'I oppose racism in all its forms and have respect for people of every background, ethnicity, and culture. I understand that some people may have found my words offensive or hurtful. I sincerely regret that.'
Klopp's defence of Van Dijk comes as the Netherlands bounced back from their opening draw with a 5-1 victory over Sweden, with Van Dijk playing a key role. The former Liverpool manager's comments highlight the ongoing tension between the two football figures.
