Ronald Koeman Netherlands Manager warns Manchester City Nathan Ake over 2026 World Cup spot

Abdul Hady
Abdul Hady is the editor of NutmegXtra, delivering daily Premier League, La Liga, and global football news with a sharp eye for breaking stories.

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has admitted Nathan Ake’s international future is under threat as he struggles for minutes at Manchester City.

Ake endured a difficult campaign last season, missing games through injury as City finished third in the Premier League and lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.

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[De Telegraaf via Sport Witness reports] that despite Ake’s inclusion in the latest Netherlands squad, Koeman issued a firm warning to the 30-year-old defender.

“We’ve talked about it. Something has to change,” Koeman said. “You can’t hardly play and still be part of a national team. Match practice is part of that.”

Ake joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in 2020 and has since won four Premier League titles and the Champions League, but consistent starting minutes remain hard to come by.

With centre-back one of City’s most competitive positions, Ake must regain fitness and form to keep his 2026 World Cup hopes alive under Koeman.