Ryan Gravenberch faces criticism from Dutch manager Ronald Koeman after rejecting international appeal to stay at Liverpool: ‘We are not happy’
- Gravenberch turned down the call to focus on getting used to new club Liverpool
- He played eleven international matches for his country, but recently played for Under 21
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Ronald Koeman led the criticism of Ryan Gravenberch after the new Liverpool midfielder turned down his latest international call-up.
Gravenberch had been named in the Netherlands U21 squad for the upcoming international break for their matches against Moldova and North Macedonia in qualifying for the U21 European Championship, but turned down the call to focus on Liverpool.
He joined the Reds on transfer deadline day on a transfer from Bayern Munich for £35 million and told the Dutch FA that he wanted to prioritize adapting to his new club and was therefore not making himself available for selection.
While the news may be a boon for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who is letting his new midfielder join the club while the majority of his teammates are away, the decision has not gone down well in the Dutch camp.
Senior manager Koeman said he was ‘not happy with Ryan Gravenberch’s refusal to play for his country’ – adding his assistant Nigel de Jong had contacted the Liverpool man about the decision – while U21 assistant manager Michael Traveler also disapproved of the decision.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has faced criticism after turning down his latest international call-up
Men’s senior manager Ronald Koeman said he is ‘not happy’ with Gravenberch’s decision
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“I don’t think it’s a good decision, I told him. I really don’t think it’s good,” Traveler said via VI.
“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’s just important to me. He has decided to stay in Liverpool to acclimate. I know Ryan, he’s a good and likeable boy, but he made the wrong choice here.
“If you can play for a national team, it’s 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 fight for his country. The players who play with their heart always get something more out of it. You also benefit from this as a trainer.
“If you think it’s nice and casual, you’re wrong. Nothing is optional at the top. And you play here with the best in the Netherlands, so it is certainly not without obligation.
‘For me this is not a statement, because then it would already have been played. More of a principle that I pass on to all my players. Playing for the Dutch Juniors is an honor and you do that with your heart.’
The 21-year-old turned down the opportunity to represent the Dutch U21 squad during the international break
U21 assistant manager Michael Reiziger (right) said the call-up is not ‘optional’
Gravenberch has played eleven international matches for his country’s senior team, but was left out of the World Cup squad for the tournament in Qatar by former manager Louis van Gaal last winter.
Ten of his 11 caps came in 2021, with his lack of appearances coinciding with his limited opportunities at Bayern Munich following success at Ajax and before his move to Liverpool.
While the 21-year-old hopes to return to the Dutch senior squad sooner or later with a fresh start with the Reds, he has been wrong-footed by frustrating the country’s senior manager with his decision.
The next international break is scheduled for early October, the week commencing October 2, although it is unclear whether Gravenberch will be selected or decide to return to represent his country.
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