Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has responded to Bobby Duncan‘s criticisms of the club after a representative accused them and chief executive Michael Edwards of bullying the teenager.
Saif Rubie, who works closely with Duncan, claimed on Twitter that the 18-year-old would never play for the club again after being refused a loan move this summer, as well as alleging that the Merseyside club has impacted on his mental health as a result.
However, Klopp has insisted that the Liverpool care about Duncan and have his best interests at heart.
“Bobby is one of our young players we really, really care about. Really, really care,” said Klopp.
“Not only young players, but all players in football... sometimes contract things can not be a massive problem because there are bigger problems in life, but they can be a problem because it is whether to extend or not extend.
“It is a normal thing, but with young players we are particularly sensitive.
“We need to do the right things, all the different parties, and everything will be fine.”
Fiorentina had been interested in the youngster, and are believed to have had a bid of £1.6m rejected. Loan interest from Nordsjaelland was dismissed last week.
Rubie claimed Liverpool and Edwards have refused to consider any offers for Duncan and are holding him at the club “against his will”, despite believing that he will never be good enough to play for the first team.
But Klopp has suggested the player will have to be patient.
“The big problem they could have is they lose patience because life is like this,” added the Reds boss.
“You have to make it step-by-step if you are not Lionel Messi at 17, ready to play for Barcelona – you don’t see that very often.
“Patience in the right way, in a football way. Not waiting for things, being ready for making all the steps you need to do, training hard, playing at the next level, doing what the coach is telling you and everything is fine.”
