World Cup 3036: ‘Football is secondary’ â?? Koeman, Van Dijk rally behind Gakpo

World Cup 3036: ‘Football is secondary’ â?? Koeman, Van Dijk rally behind Gakpo

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk have shown unwavering support for striker Cody Gakpo after he and his partner, Noa van der Bij, suffered the loss of their unborn child.

Van der Bij shared the heartbreaking news on social media on Saturday, and Gakpo has been granted time off to be with his family, who are staying near the team’s base in Kansas City as the Netherlands prepare to face Morocco in their Round of 32 clash on Monday.

Koeman revealed that the team and staff have provided all possible support to Gakpo during his personal loss.

“We have done what was within our power in terms of support, as players, as staff. Of course, the first few days he had the freedom to go out to his family and be with them. He dealt with it very well, there was never a moment where he said, ‘I want to go back, I want to be with the family,’ Koeman said.”

Van Dijk stressed that the team’s priority was to support Gakpo and understand his needs following his loss. He emphasised that football comes second to life’s more important matters.

“The most important thing is to ask: ‘what do you need?’ It’s awful news, and it shows that football is secondary. There are more important things in life. It’s very sad, but Cody deals with it. He’s very mature, very adult. I have lots of respect for the way he and his family are handling this. However awful it is, I respect it very much,” Van Dijk said.

Gakpo has been a key figure for the Netherlands at the tournament, scoring in the group stage. He is expected to be available for selection against Morocco, with both Koeman and Van Dijk praising his strength during this difficult time.

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