Disappointed With Van Dijk's Red Card, Koeman Is Not Looking For A Replacement In The Match Against Germany

Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk missed Germany after receiving a red card in the match against Hungary. (X/@OnsOranje)

JAKARTA - The Netherlands avoided defeat after losing captain Virgil van Dijk who received a red card in the match against Hungary. Coach Ronald Koeman admitted that he was disappointed with the red card in the UEFA Nations League match which ended in a 1-1 draw. Koeman will not look for a replacement for Van Dijk when the Netherlands faces Germany.

Van Dijk received two yellow cards which led to a red card in just three minutes at a duel at the Puskas Arena Stadium, Budapest, Saturday, October 12, 2024, followed by WIB. Van Dijk expelled the Dutch from working extra hard.

The reason is, the Netherlands was 1-0 behind through Roland Sallai's goal. The goal started with the mistake of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

But when the Netherlands had to play with 10 players, they could actually equalize. Defender Denzel Dumfries managed to break the deadlock just three minutes after Van Dijk's expulsion.

Koeman actually doesn't mind Van Dijk's red card. But he questioned the Liverpool captain's first yellow card. The reason, he only protested the foul on his colleague, Donyell Malen.

According to Koeman, it is only natural for the captain to question the decision. Moreover, the violation should have been rewarded with a red card. Koeman was increasingly annoyed that Van Dijk, who instead received a yellow card for the violations experienced by his colleague.

"The moment is frustrating. It's not why, but I really don't understand. I think everyone agrees that the captain can protest to the referee," said Koeman.

"Violation (of Koeman) is clearly a red card. They really have no intention of playing football. Virgil then got a second yellow card which was actually not right. And he knows that," he said.

However, Koeman showed satisfaction with the fighting spirit of his players. They still play with high spirits despite losing the team captain.

"We prove that we will not give up. We are still fighting to equalize. After their draw (Hungaria) also creates dangerous threats. But we defended very well," said Koeman again.

After receiving a red card, Van Dijk was confirmed to be absent when the Dutch fought Germany in a big match at the Allianz Arena Stadium, Munich, Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in the morning WIB. However, Koeman will not call a new player to replace Van Dijk.

The match against Germany will be a moment of struggle for the top position. Germany, which is perched in the top position, only needs a draw to defend its position. On the other hand, the Netherlands had to win the match because they were still two points behind Germany.