Ronald Koeman slams Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch for declining Netherlands call-up

Netherlands national team manager Ronald Koeman is unhappy that Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch rejected a call-up for this month.

Gravenberch recently completed a £34million move from Bayern Munich to Liverpool on the final day of the summer transfer window.

Although he wasn't initially selected for the Dutch squad in their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, this absence was entirely his choice.

Instead of joining his national team and increasing his 11 senior caps, the 21-year-old has opted to utilise this period to acclimate himself to his new environment at the club level.

While this plan might seem reasonable, given that Liverpool won't be in action again until September 16th, it hasn't garnered the approval of Koeman and his colleagues.

"We're not happy about that. Nigel de Jong has been in touch with him," Koeman said.

Koeman's view was echoed by Netherlands Under-21 coach Michael Reiziger.

"I don't think it's a good decision, I told him that. I really don't think it's good," said Reiziger.

"For a national team, for your country, you have to play with your heart. Not with your head. So you really have to want to be there. That is just important to me.

"He has made his decision to stay in Liverpool to acclimatise. I know Ryan, he is a good and likeable boy, but he made the wrong choice.

"If you can play for a national team, that is an honour. That should make you proud. There are no concessions involved. That goes for everyone, not just Ryan."

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