Jurgen Klopp has launched a scathing attack on controversial pundit Rafael van der Vaart, defending his former player Virgil van Dijk after the Dutch legend criticised the defender's performance in the World Cup.
Van der Vaart's Criticism
Van der Vaart, 43, who played for clubs including Real Madrid, Tottenham and Ajax, hit out at Van Dijk following Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan in their World Cup opener. 'I must honestly say that I was a bit shocked by Van Dijk,' the Dutchman said of his compatriot. 'That turning… It was a bit of a Boeing 747. I hope he will run a little faster during the tournament.'
Klopp's Response
Klopp, also on punditry duty during the World Cup, defended his former Liverpool captain after Netherlands bounced back with a 5-1 victory over Sweden. '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.'
'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,' Klopp added.
Van der Vaart's Controversial Comments
Van der Vaart has faced backlash for more than just his criticism of Van Dijk. After the Japan match, he made an offensive 'joke' about Japanese players, suggesting that Micky van de Ven may have been confused during Daichi Kamada's equaliser because Japan's players 'look alive'.
'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.'
He later 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.'
