Van Dijk slams Klopp's hotel dinner rule for Germany as a step back
Virgil van Dijk told our interview that he dislikes the rule introduced by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool which has now been imposed on the Germany national team, a move he says clashes with personal preferences and proven success.
Rule details and Klopp's overhaul
Klopp, the former Liverpool boss, left Anfield in the summer of 2024 and spent the last 18 months as the global head of football for Red Bull. The 59‑year‑old German now leads his country’s national side and has begun overseeing training for the first time since his Liverpool exit over two years ago.
Since taking charge, Klopp has rolled out four new regulations aimed at restoring Die Mannschaft after a poor run in major tournaments. One of the most talked‑about rules requires all players to arrive together for dinner at the team hotel, usually at 7 pm or 8 pm, and stay away from their families on the eve of matches.
Van Dijk’s reaction and past experience
During Klopp’s highly successful spell at Liverpool, Van Dijk – the star defender and captain – was not a fan of the hotel‑dinner policy. In late 2024, after Germany’s successor Arne Slot scrapped the rule and allowed players to stay at home before home games, the veteran centre‑back praised the change.
Klopp backs Nmecha's goal as Van Dijk demands fair play from Germany
Van Dijk said: “It’s everyone’s own preference, but it’s the rules now. Personally, I like to sleep in my own bed and be with my family, and so it works out quite well. But what we did in the past worked out quite well, too, as we’ve been very successful in terms of winning.”
Klopp has also introduced a ban on families accompanying players during major tournaments, allowing them only on an occasional basis, and has prohibited mobile phones on matchdays and haircuts at the hotel.
Germany will face the Netherlands on Thursday night, host Serbia and then play a double‑header against Greece in the upcoming Nations League window.
OUR LIVERPOOL coverage continues to track these developments, with Sport Senior Sports Journalist Kasra Moradi reporting the story at 16:01 on Sep 24, 2026. View 2 Images accompany the article, highlighting the Reds, Anfield legacy and the Red Bull connection.