Liverpool deny ‘destroying’ young player's life

[Bluedell 5,350]

An article in respect of a young Liverpool player that may have relevance to how they approach Kent:

 

 

Liverpool have been accused of “mentally bullying and destroying the life” of youngster Bobby Duncan in an incendiary attack by the player’s representative, strongly refuted by the club.

 

In a series of remarkable allegations, Anfield sporting director Michael Edwards was accused of blocking the departure of Duncan, the cousin of former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, from the club.

 

Liverpool today issued a statement describing the claims by Saif Rubie, who represents the 18-year-old, as “unfounded”, “inaccurate”, “inflammatory” and failing to serve the player’s best interests.

 

The furore around Duncan erupted on social media with Rubie alleging in a lengthy statement that the forward would never return to the club after interest from Fiorentina and FC Nordsjaelland was rejected.

 

Duncan’s agent claims that the player was initially told that the club would listen to offers for him, but that Liverpool were not interested in loan offers with an option to buy him for £1.5 million.

 

Duncan was subsequently absent for Liverpool Under-23’s game against Southampton on Monday with Rubie claiming the stress of the situation had left the teenager suffering from “some deep mental health issues.”

 

The statement from Rubie alleged: “Bobby has not left his room for four days because of this and will never go back to Liverpool again and my only concern now is his mental health and well being.

 

“The Liverpool hierarchy have shown zero consideration to that and have even gone as far as saying, in writing, that they will punish him and make him stay at the club until January and beyond to teach him a lesson.

 

“This is not really dignified behaviour from a club from the rich history of Liverpool and one of their greatest ever players Steven Gerrard happens to be Bobby’s cousin.

 

“It’s a sad state of affairs that a club such as Liverpool can be allowed to get away with mentally bullying and destroying the life of a young man such as Bobby.

 

“I know one thing for sure, and that is he is never going back there again and he’s on such a small salary that no amount of fines will even make a difference.

 

“In this situation all that matters is the player’s health and in this case Michael Edwards has totally ignored that because of his own stubbornness and even called Bobby petulant when, in reality, the boy is in real trouble mentally, physically and emotionally because of this and I really pray that his experience doesn’t happen to any young players again.”

 

Duncan joined Liverpool 12 months ago having previously been at Manchester City. However, his time at the Etihad turned sour when a contract stalemate meant he stayed away from the club and for a spell he was training with Wigan Athletic.

 

Liverpool ended up paying £200,000 in compensation for the player, who scored in last season’s FA Youth Cup final success over former club City.

 

The breakdown in his relationship with Liverpool has been swift with the player tweeting after scoring in a pre-season friendly win over Tranmere Rovers in July that it was a “day I always dreamed of”.

 

He accompanied Liverpool on their pre-season tour of America, but understandably finds himself behind the likes of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Divock Origi and Rhian Brewster in Jürgen Klopp’s pecking order.

 

A club spokesman strongly refuted Rubie’s claims and said they would work with Duncan to resolve his situation, saying: “Liverpool Football Club is aware and disappointed by the unattributed comments and unfounded allegations that have been made in the media regarding one of our players.

 

“As the interests of the player in question are not best served by either inaccurate speculation, inflammatory statements or public discourse, we will be making no further comment.

 

“We will, however, continue our efforts to work privately with the player to find resolution in the best interests of all involved.”

 

Carragher wrote: “I know Bobby & his family well, he’s young & at that age we all want everything right now. Played for the 1st team in pre season which is a great start & he should try & develop this season & maybe make the bench in Carabao Cup. That should be the advice you’re giving him you [clown emoji].”

 

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/liverpool-deny-destroying-bobby-duncan-s-life-after-extraordinary-attack-by-agent-ntnw7p7v8

[Scott7 5,223]

If I were Duncan, I would be changing my agent pronto.

[MacK1950 2,240]

Contract dispute with Man City now seems similar at Liverpool seems like groundhog day or is agent the problem?.