RB Leipzig chief Ralf Rangnick has invited anger over criticising Naby Keita's entourage amid Liverpool's frenzied pursuit.
Leipzig have rejected two big money bids of £57million and £66million from Anfield for his services this summer.
And Rangnick told a coaching convention: “There should be someone who points them into the right direction.
“The boys themselves are not the problem here. It is their surroundings.
“A whole village in Guinea or somebody from their entourage tells the players why they must do something right away. I can't blame the players."
Guinean football journalist Amadou Makadji, who is close to Keita, has criticised the remarks.
He said: “Shocked by the irresponsible words of Rangnick. If Guinea is a big village, what good is it to retain a villager in his team?
“Rangnick should apologise to Naby and Guinea, a country whose history is rich. If necessary, give him a history class."