Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch leaves Ronald Koeman fuming after Netherlands snub

Liverpool ace Ryan Gravenberch has caused fury after turning down the chance to play for the Netherlands under-21s team in order to train with the Reds. The midfielder has already won 11 senior caps for his country but has chosen to prioritise settling in on Merseyside following his move from Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day. And Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has admitted he’s “not happy” with the player’s decision.

Liverpool shelled out £35million to prise Gravenberch, 21, away from Germany just one year after he had joined Bayern from Ajax. And the young star will now stay in England ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday, September 16, despite being given the opportunity to face Moldova and North Macedonia in 2025 European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.

Koeman was asked about the player’s absence during a press conference on Monday. And the former Everton and Barcelona manager hissed: “We’re not happy about that. [Netherlands assistant] Nigel de Jong has been in touch with him.”

Meanwhile, Netherlands under-21s manager Michael Reiziger also hit out at the decision. “I don’t think it’s a good decision, I told him that,” explained the ex-defender. “I really don’t think it’s good.

“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 here.

“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. A player who joins the Dutch Juniors must come with his heart and must fight for his country. The players who play with their heart always get something more out of it. As a trainer you also benefit from this.

“If you think it is nice and non-binding, then you are wrong. Nothing is optional at the top. And you are playing with the best in the Netherlands here, so it is certainly not without obligation.

“For me this is not a statement, because then it would have already been played. More of a principle that I pass on to all my players. Playing for the Dutch Juniors is an honour and you do that with your heart.”