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Liverpool have reportedly admitted to failings in their academy system after receiving a complaint from the parents of a young player who has since departed the Reds. Their youth setup is widely thought to be successful in terms of bringing new players through, with Jurgen Klopp never shy to give academy graduates a chance if they deserve a shot at first-team level.
However, it seems that all is not well behind the scenes at Anfield, with The Athletic reporting that Liverpool have been rocked by a formal complaint from a player’s parents. It is said that an internal investigation was launched by the club after they were accused of failing to offer adequate mental health support to the player, who left the Reds last year.
The parents were also said to have concerns about the handling of an injury to their son while his future was still uncertain, while they allegedly questioned the appropriateness of a relationship between two staff members which they felt risked a ‘conflict of interest’ in their duty of care.
The report adds that the parents were only made aware that their son would not be staying on at Liverpool by an automated email from the Premier League, despite being told by a senior academy director that he would need to ‘fall off a cliff’ not to stay with the club.
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Liverpool were said to have responded to the complaints by launching an internal investigation, in which they reportedly admitted that some of their processes were ‘inadequate’. An apology was also offered to the parents for the ‘shock’ caused by the automated email, which they said did not reflect the club’s final position regarding their son’s exit.
It was concluded that ‘acknowledged delays’ were incurred in securing treatment for the player’s injury after a GP referral letter was lost. However, the club were said to have insisted that the player was offered mental health and wellbeing support in spite of the parents’ claims.
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Liverpool’s report also found that the relationship between the two staff members was ‘not relevant’ to the situation as neither party was specifically involved in deciding whether or not to retain the player. The club are now said to have implemented new ‘best practice’ measures regarding the release of academy players.
A spokesperson for Liverpool told The Athletic: “While we would not comment on individual matters relating to a minor, Liverpool Football Club takes its responsibilities in the development, welfare and safeguarding of young players extremely seriously.
“In any instances in which potential learnings become apparent or concerns raised, it is standard for a review to be undertaken and our processes adapted accordingly, if so applicable, in keeping with this commitment.”
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