KOEMAN DROPS CODY GAKPO FROM NETHERLANDS’ NEXT WORLD CUP MATCH SQUAD AFTER ATTITUDE CONCERNS
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has made a shock decision to leave Cody Gakpo out of the matchday squad for the Netherlands’ next World Cup fixture following reported concerns over the forward’s attitude in training.
The Liverpool attacker remains part of the wider Netherlands World Cup squad, but will not feature in the upcoming match after Koeman reportedly became frustrated with aspects of his behaviour during preparations.
Sources close to the Oranje camp suggest tensions had been building over recent training sessions ahead of the game.
While Gakpo’s quality and importance to the team have never been in doubt, concerns are understood to have centred on his focus, intensity and response to tactical instructions.
Those issues are said to have irritated members of the coaching staff, with Koeman ultimately deciding to take disciplinary action ahead of the next fixture.
The Netherlands boss, known for his demanding standards and direct leadership style, is believed to have grown increasingly dissatisfied with what he viewed as a drop in training discipline.
The result is a firm decision: Gakpo will not be included in the matchday squad for the upcoming World Cup match.
The shock call has reportedly sent ripples through the Oranje dressing room, with several players surprised by the timing of the omission given Gakpo’s status within the squad.
The Liverpool forward has become one of the most important attacking players for both club and country, valued for his versatility, movement and ability to influence big games.
Many expected him to play a key role in the Netherlands’ next World Cup challenge.
Instead, he will now watch from the sidelines as Koeman’s side prepare without one of their most reliable attacking options.
Koeman’s decision is understood to reflect a broader emphasis on discipline and collective responsibility within the squad environment.
The Dutch manager has repeatedly stressed that selection is earned, not guaranteed, regardless of reputation or club form.
Inside the camp, the message remains clear: standards must be maintained at all times.
The situation has already sparked debate among supporters and pundits.
Some have praised Koeman for enforcing discipline at a crucial stage of the tournament, arguing that unity and work rate are essential at World Cup level.
Others believe that excluding a player of Gakpo’s quality could weaken the Netherlands’ attacking threat in an important fixture.
The discussion has quickly spread across social media, with the decision becoming one of the main talking points surrounding the Oranje camp.
Despite the controversy, sources suggest Koeman retains full backing from the coaching staff.
The internal view is that discipline and structure are non-negotiable if the Netherlands are to progress deep into the tournament.
Gakpo’s situation is not considered a permanent exclusion.
Reports indicate he remains in contention for future matches, provided he responds positively in training and meets the required standards set by the coaching staff.
For Gakpo personally, the omission represents a significant setback at a key moment in the World Cup campaign.
The Liverpool forward had been expected to play a leading role and viewed the tournament as a major platform to strengthen his international reputation.
Instead, he must now focus on regaining trust and fighting his way back into Koeman’s plans.
For the Netherlands, attention now turns to how the team performs without him and whether Koeman’s tough stance proves justified.
But one message from the camp is already clear.
Under Ronald Koeman, no player is bigger than the team—and even Cody Gakpo is not immune from being dropped for the next World Cup match.