Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool "really care about" Bobby Duncan and has spoken to the teenage forward following his agent's comments about the way the club has treated the player.
Saif Rubie, Duncan's representative, claimed on Wednesday that Liverpool had blocked a transfer away and singled out sporting director Michael Edwards for showing "zero consideration" for the youngster's wellbeing.
Liverpool described the allegations as "inaccurate" and "inflammatory", with Klopp urging the 18-year-old to remain patient.
"We already have an official statement from the club. But what I can say is Bobby is one of the young players that we really care about," he told reporters at Friday's news conference.
"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."
Asked if he had spoken with Duncan, a cousin of club legend Steven Gerrard, Klopp replied: "Of course.
"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 [Lionel] 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."
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