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Malen's starting place at risk after clash with Koeman in Netherlands training
·29 June 2026·53d ago

Malen's starting place at risk after clash with Koeman in Netherlands training

Source: Forza Roma

Donyell Malen, AS Roma's forward, reportedly risked losing his starting spot for the Netherlands ahead of their World Cup round-of-16 match against Morocco scheduled for tonight. According to journalist Noa Vahle's account, Malen had a confrontation with Dutch national team coach Koeman during one of the final open training sessions. Following the conversation, Malen appeared withdrawn and downcast, suggesting he may have been informed of losing his starting position for the Morocco fixture.

Malen arrived at Roma in excellent form and was firing goals regularly, but his recent performances have raised concerns about his physical and mental state. Former Dutch footballer Wim Kieft flagged worries about the attacker's current condition, noting that other options like Brian Brobbey and Crysencio Summerville are performing well. Kieft added: "When players don't feel their best, they walk past the press with the phone to their ear; Malen did that too. He was called but didn't want to say anything. To me, these aren't good signs. Even if you haven't scored in a few matches, you should speak to the press. It seems like he's struggling to adapt to the current situation."

Kieft suggested Malen's reluctance to engage with media and his demeanor indicate deeper issues as the Netherlands prepares for their knockout-stage challenge.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Questa notte alle 3 l'Olanda sfiderà il Marocco, ma stando alle ultime indiscrezioni l'attaccante della Roma rischia di non partire dal 1' Redazione 29 giugno - 08:26 Malen, non solo gol. A Trastevere deve anche spingere l'apetta Donyell Malen rischia di aver perso il posto da titolare ai Mondiali…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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