The Netherlands boss, formerly in charge at Everton, insisted that Van Dijk must improve last month after a 2-1 defeat to France.
During their loss to the World Cup winners, Van Dijk was guilty of being beaten by the run of Olivier Giroud for the hosts’ second goal.
Koeman said afterwards: “I told Virgil within 30 seconds of the end of the game against France what I thought. I know him so well – and that means I know where all his little faults are.
“Virgil has to improve, not a lot, but sometimes he is a little too laid-back. That needs to change. There are moments as a defender when you should be no more than three feet away from the striker you are marking.
“And, particularly in Van Dijk’s case, because of the strength and power he has he is too laid-back.”
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That followed Van Dijk giving away a penalty against Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City at Anfield – although Riyad Mahrez skied his penalty over the crossbar.
They were rare blips for the £75million centre-back who has been talked about as one of Europe’s best defenders because of his impact on the Merseyside outfit since joining in January.
But Van Dijk insists Koeman’s comments did not touch a nerve.
“No, it does not bother me at all,” he declared in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
“There are times when I am less sharp. I work on that and I get help from coaches and fellow players.
“It happens to many players, but it’s about whether those moments are punished.”
Van Dijk also discussed the pressure of his playing schedule with Liverpool competing for the league title and also looking to progress from a tricky Champions League group.
The 27-year-old was also battling fitness issues earlier this term with Koeman revealing he needed to take injections to play through the pain of two broken ribs.
Jurgen Klopp, however, played down the extent of the problem and said: “He has no problems with that any more.”
Van Dijk added: “Every three days a match, a day off in the month and continuous training, competition and recovery to get your body fit again for the next race.
“At the highest level, Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Nations League with Oranje, plus all the traveling. Yes, then there is a lot of pressure on.
“It is important that you are free in your head and for that I rest a lot, just sleep. You do not see me in the pub after a game or during the week.”