Everton manager Marco Silva has urged Moise Kean to ignore any criticism which emerges off the pitch.
Shortly after leaving Juventus for the Toffees, Kean's character and mentality was questioned by pundit Graeme Souness, given that the youngster had left the Italian champions shortly after breaking into the first team.
While Silva has acknowledged that he was made aware of the negative words, the Portuguese has insisted that Kean will not pay any attention.
Silva told the Liverpool Echo: "I heard something. My people told me and our media people also but I don't want my players to see, read or pay attention to this situation.
"I don't lose my focus with this situation. Ok, some managers, some people talking on TV and on radio as well, it is their opinion and we have to respect opinions, don't lose focus, keep doing your work and keep believing in your players.
"For me it is not an important thing and I don't want our players to lose their focus and lose energy with this situation because it is not something you can control."
Kean has contributed one assist during his opening 143 minutes of football in the Premier League.
