Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has issued a stern warning to Nathan Ake over his international future, stating that the defender must secure more playing time at Manchester City if he wishes to remain in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ake, 30, has struggled to earn consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola this season, following a 2024/25 campaign plagued by injuries. The Dutchman’s fitness issues mirrored the wider defensive struggles that defined City’s most turbulent season in recent memory, as the club finished third in the Premier League with 71 points, crashed out of the Champions League Round of 16, and lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.
During that period, City’s backline was decimated by injuries to John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Manuel Akanji. In response, the club’s hierarchy moved to bolster Guardiola’s options with the January arrivals of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, while long-serving right-back Kyle Walker departed for a loan spell in Italy before leaving permanently in the summer.
Although Manchester City recovered well in the latter half of the campaign to secure a Champions League berth, concerns remained over the team’s defensive depth. Akanji eventually joined Inter Milan on loan during the summer window, while Ake’s future was also discussed amid speculation of a potential move away from the Etihad Stadium.
Since joining City from Bournemouth in 2020, Ake has been a reliable performer under Guardiola, collecting four Premier League titles and a Champions League medal. However, with John Stones entering the final year of his contract and competition for places fiercer than ever, Ake’s lack of recent game time could have serious implications for his international ambitions.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, Koeman revealed that while Ake remains part of his plans for now, his status with the national team is not guaranteed:
“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.”
The Dutch manager’s comments serve as a clear ultimatum — Ake must regain form and fitness at club level to keep his place in the national setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. With centre-back being one of the most competitive positions in Guardiola’s squad, the challenge is steep. Manchester City even loaned out Vitor Reis to Girona for the 2025/26 season to ensure regular minutes for their young talent.
Ake now faces a crucial period at Manchester City, needing to prove both his fitness and consistency to maintain trust from both Pep Guardiola and Ronald Koeman as the season progresses.
FAQ
- Q: Why is Nathan Ake’s place in the Netherlands squad under threat?
A: Ronald Koeman has warned Ake that a lack of playing time at Manchester City could affect his international selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- Q: How has Ake performed at Manchester City since joining?
A: Ake has been an important member of Guardiola’s side since joining in 2020, winning four Premier League titles and a Champions League, though injuries have hindered his consistency.
- Q: What did Koeman specifically say about Ake’s situation?
A: Koeman said, “You can’t hardly play and still be part of a national team. Match practice is part of that,” suggesting Ake must feature more regularly at club level.
- Q: What are Manchester City’s current centre-back options?
A: Guardiola’s options include Ruben Dias, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nathan Ake, with Vitor Reis currently on loan at Girona.
Conclusion
Ronald Koeman’s warning to Nathan Ake highlights the delicate balance players must maintain between club and international commitments. For Ake, consistent game time under Pep Guardiola will be vital if he wants to retain his Netherlands place and play a key role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With Manchester City’s fierce internal competition, the coming months will be decisive in shaping both his club and international futures.
