Jeremie Frimpong speaks out on Netherlands World Cup squad snub after Ronald Koeman comments

Liverpool right-back Jeremie Frimpong has spoken out for the first time since he missed out on being included in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup.

Frimpong, who signed for the Reds last summer, was a high-profile omission when Ronald Koeman named his Netherlands squad on Wednesday.

Koeman explained that he had left the 25-year-old out of his squad due to 'several physical problems' during the campaign, both with Liverpool and when he was on international duty with the Netherlands.

Frimpong has now responded to his manager's decision on Instagram, with a message of support to his team-mates that are going to the World Cup.

He wrote: "It wasn't meant to be this time, but I'll be the first one supporting the boys every step of the way this summer."

Jeremie Frimpong on Instagram (Image: @jeremiefrimpong)

Who else missed out on Netherlands' World Cup squad?

Alongside his message, he posted a photo of himself with Netherlands team-mates Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Jurrien Timber, Virgil van Dijk and Micky van de Ven.

Gravenberch, Gakpo and Van Dijk, who all play alongside Frimpong at club level, were selected in their nation's World Cup squad.

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, though, will join Frimpong in taking a watching brief of this summer's tournament - as will Burnley forward Zian Flemming.

There was also no place for PSV midfielder Joey Veerman, who enjoyed an excellent domestic season.

The 27-year-old's omission wasn't a particular surprise, however, given Veerman publicly stated that Koeman 'doesn't need to call me anymore' after PSV's final match of the season.

Koeman claimed in a previous press conference that Veerman's 'character is different', with the midfielder responding: "If you hold press conferences like this and say that my character isn't good, then at some point I'm done with it."

Koeman, meanwhile, was asked about Flemming by a reporter during his latest media conference, with the reporter noting that one of the players he hadn't picked had scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season - without mentioning his name.

Koeman replied: "Who?"

Flemming hasn't yet commented on his absence from the squad, amid speculation that he will leave Burnley this summer after they were relegated from the Premier League.

As far as Frimpong is concerned, he will have his full focus on preparing for his second season at Liverpool - though will be without one of his defensive partners next season.

Ibrahima Konate is reportedly set to leave Anfield as a free agent at the end of next month after failing to agree terms on a new contract.

He is being linked with moves to Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, and even another Premier League team are said to be keen on the France centre-back.

READ MORE: Liverpool's Premier League rivals attempting to sign Ibrahima Konate on free transfer

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have held internal discussions about bringing Jarell Quansah back to the club as Konate's replacement.

The Reds are said to have a buy-back clause worth around £70 million to sign him from Bayer Leverkusen after selling him to the German club last summer.

That figure drops to £55m from the summer of 2027.