Koeman rejects calls for De Jong to start on bench

Ronald Koeman has dismissed suggestions that Frenkie de Jong should begin matches on the bench. The Netherlands manager insists the Barcelona midfielder remains crucial to his plans despite acknowledging room for improvement. During a press conference, Koeman was asked about De Jong’s importance to the Oranje. "I spoke with Frenkie after the match. I think he does many things well and is technically very intelligent. I also discussed with him that we need to connect better when attacking." He added: "I find that he sometimes occupies too deep a position on the pitch. And sometimes he could push the action forward. That is an area where he can improve for himself and the team," the 63-year-old coach continued. De Jong remains a doubt for the Sweden fixture after being involved in a collision that left Quinten Timber with a mild concussion.

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Valentijn Driessen argued that benching De Jong would send a positive signal. Koeman rejected the idea outright. "But it goes much too far to say he should be dropped. I completely disagree with that," the Dutch boss stated. Koeman’s comments follow De Jong’s involvement in a challenge that forced Timber off the field. The Barcelona midfielder remains integral to the Netherlands’ midfield despite positional critiques.

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The Oranje face Sweden in their next match, with De Jong’s availability still uncertain due to the incident.