Virgil van Dijk hits back at critics after the Netherlands' defeat to Austria was labelled as 'disgraceful' - but admits 'things need to be improved' during frosty press conference

Virgil van Dijk has hit back at critics after they labelled the Netherlands' performance against Austria as 'disgraceful'.

The Netherlands had already secured their place in the last-16 heading into Wednesday's match, but delivered a lacklustre display as they fell behind three times.

The deciding goal saw Van Dijk caught several yards behind his team's defensive line, with former Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer racing through to seal the win for Austria.

Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart wasted no time ripping into the European giants and called on the Liverpool star to show some 'passion'.

Van Dijk has now been offered the chance to respond and admitted that their players need to 'take responsibility' as they head into the knock-out rounds. 

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, van Dijk said: 'It goes without saying that I have to take responsibility now.

'We have spoken a lot in the last 48 hours and some harsh words have been spoken. That is of course necessary, because some things have certainly happened. I feel like it helped, but it's really time to show that.

'It makes perfect sense. I'm going to work on that too. I blame myself too. I'm not crazy, I know when things need to be improved. That's what I'm working on. That is the basis for getting better.

'The last match was definitely not my best, but personally that has not happened often this season. It is important to me that it stops now. 

'That is the responsibility I take now. That responsibility is very great, especially at Oranje. And the criticism affects me.'

It was a frosty press conference for the Netherlands as first-team manager Ronaldo Koeman opted not to attend and, instead, a press officer took his place.

One journalist then queried why Koeman was 'in hiding', which was refuted by the team's press officer Bas Ticheler.

The reporter asked Ticheler: 'What is the consideration of not sitting here with Ronald Koeman? Will he now be in hiding for six days while he is the leader of the troops. It seems [that way] to me.'

Ticheler replied: 'There will be another press conference with the national coach.'

The reporter then asked: 'That is in six days' time, but quite a bit has happened, of course. So what is the trade-off in this?'

The press officer responded: 'Well, it is not up to me now to answer these kinds of questions. 

'I would say choose to ask the players questions and I would like to exchange ideas about these kinds of things with everyone at another time. But I don't think it is entirely appropriate to do that now and here.'

Van Dijk and Co will hope that their fortunes fare a bit better when they take on Romania in their last-16 clash at the Euros on Tuesday afternoon. 

While Romania came into the tournament with no expectations, their impressive displays in the group stage will give them confidence when they take on Netherlands.