According to Voetbal International, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has backed Ryan Gravenberch in his decision not to play for the Netherlands U21s during the international break.
The 21-year-old midfielder completed a deadline day move from Bayern Munich to Liverpool. Ryan Gravenberch decided to use the September international break to settle into life with his new club, despite receiving a national team call-up. Netherlands U21 head coach Michael Reiziger was not happy with the decision, but Klopp fully understands the midfielder’s choice.
‘I understand that the KNVB was not happy,’ the German manager said during his press conference on Friday. ‘But the boy wants nothing more than to play football. He used the international break to sort out his affairs. Normally this has to be done very quickly. He trained and got everything in order. From now on we will play a match every three days, so that is an advantage.’
On Saturday, Liverpool take on Wolves away from home, in what could be Ryan Gravenberch’s debut for the club. Last season, the Dutchman featured just 24 times in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich. He only started three of those matches. Now, the youngster will be hoping for a brighter future in the Premier League.
