Jurgen Klopp unwilling to make Liverpool headlines over Bobby Duncan

Jurgen Klopp claimed Liverpool “really care” about Bobby Duncan, who is believed to be unhappy at Anfield.

The 18-year-old’s agent Saif Rubie issued a scathing statement on Twitter this week, accusing Liverpool and sporting director Michael Edwards of “bullying” the forward, causing him to miss this week’s Premier League 2 clash with Southampton

Rubie has sighted “deep mental health issues” affecting his client caused by Edwards’ apparent treatment of the player.

Danish side FC Nordsjaelland and, most recently, Serie A club Fiorentina are understood to have been interested, but Liverpool have blocked loan moves for the player, who is the cousin of Steven Gerrard, prompting Rubie to issue the statement.

Klopp was asked about the situation at Melwood on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s clash at Burnley.

Klopp said: “We have an official statement from the club.

“It’s tough not to speak as a native speaker. It’s so important each word is the right one. What I can say is Bobby is one of young players that we really care about, really, really care about.

“That’s all I can say. I know that we are like this as a club. In football, sometimes contract things can be a problem. That’s a normal situation in all age groups.

“But with young players we are especially sensitive. We have to do the right things, all the different parties.

“If I say something it will just credit headlines and we don’t need to read headlines.

Have you spoken to him as manager?

“Of course, but when that is the question. He had a pre-season with us.

“A general thing, nothing to do with Bobby Duncan, is the players have (a lot of) benefits. The big problem they could have is they lose patience. If you’re not Messi, you have to take it step by step. It’s really about patience. That’s how it is.. A young player has all the benefits.

“Being ready for things, making the right steps doing what the coaches tell you to do.”