Netherlands defender Nathan Ake revealed on Sunday that his country’s national team hurled some harsh words at each other after Friday’s 4-0 loss to France in Paris in their opening match of the 2024 European Football Championship qualifiers.

The Netherlands suffered a heavy defeat at Stade de France, where they fell behind by three goals in the first 23 minutes in coach Ronald Koeman’s second match.

AK told a press conference ahead of the Netherlands’ second Group B match against Gibraltar in Rotterdam on Monday: “There were some tough words after the match and it was the same during the match analysis the next day. But we must be clear. I think it’s better to tell each other the truth.

But he said the topic was now completely closed and “we discussed what we need to do better for the next match and in the future.”

“It’s over. We have to learn from this not only as a team but individually. The most important thing is how we bounce back in the next game.”

The Netherlands have also now recovered Cody Kakpo after suffering the flu that forced him to miss the trip to France, but Koeman said a decision will be made on whether the Liverpool striker will play against Gibraltar on Monday.

Speaking at the same press conference on Sunday, Koeman said: “I don’t know if the team has recovered from the defeat in France or not. Players criticize themselves. Much has been said in the discussion about our structure and the strength of the game.

The Dutch coach added: “Gibraltar will be a completely different team, but what I saw against France was disappointing. And I didn’t expect it. We must conquer Gibraltar now. First win and then score lots of goals.

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