Gravenberch ‘apology’ claim made as Koeman retains Liverpool ace’s Dutch exile

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch continues to find himself in hot water with senior Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman. Gravenberch declined an under-21 international call-up last month to focus on settling into his new club, Liverpool.

Since his move from Bayern Munich for $42m (£35m/€40m), Gravenberch has not featured for the Netherlands national team. His absence will continue into November as he did not make Koeman’s preliminary squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar.

Koeman ‘will expect an apology’ from Gravenberch before he can return to the national team (according to the Express). However, Dutch football expert Mike Vermijl believes that the Liverpool midfielder may stand his ground and not apologize.

Speaking on the Kick-Off podcast, Vermijl expressed surprise at Gravenberch’s exclusion from the squad. He suggests that Koeman could have extended an olive branch.

“I don’t think Gravenberch is there. That really surprises me,” he said. “Ronald Koeman is really a people manager. Instead of 26, you can also simply put 27 on the provisional list. This would send a signal to Gravenberch: hey boy, keep it up!

“Maybe Koeman still blames him for that [the refusal to play for Jong Oranje]. Perhaps Nigel de Jong [technical director of the KNVB] has not yet reached an agreement with Gravenberch about possible excuses.

“I just don’t think Gravenberch is going to apologize. A player should also be able to say that he prefers to acclimatize at his new club over the Dutch Juniors.”

Despite the controversy surrounding his international career, Gravenberch has made a strong start at Liverpool. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over Toulouse in the Europa League, earning praise from manager Jürgen Klopp. The German commended Gravenberch’s skills, including his incredible first touch, acceleration with the ball, and strength in tight spaces. The Liverpool manager believes that Gravenberch has immense potential and plenty of room for improvement due to his young age.

Gravenberch’s refusal to play for the Netherlands under-21 team in order to focus on his club commitments reflects his desire to acclimate and excel at Liverpool. While Koeman may be disappointed with Gravenberch’s decision, it is evident that the midfielder’s priority lies with his new club. As Gravenberch continues to impress at Liverpool, it remains to be seen whether he will eventually make amends with Koeman and earn a recall to the Netherlands national team.