Wataru Endo, the recent addition to Liverpool’s roster from Stuttgart, has seen minimal action in the Premier League, accumulating just 91 minutes of playtime. Klopp has shed light on the reasons behind this limited game time.
Klopp emphasized that Wataru Endo is a valuable asset to Liverpool, despite his limited appearances this season. The midfielder is one of four new additions to the Reds’ midfield following the departures of key players such as James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson, and Fabinho.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Wataru Endo
Notably, new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have been regular starters since joining the club.
In contrast, Ryan Gravenberch, another recent signing, is gradually being integrated into the squad due to his limited playing time at his previous club, Bayern Munich.
Wataru Endo, however, has been sparingly used in the Premier League since his arrival in August from Stuttgart. Klopp has provided insights into the factors contributing to Endo’s restricted playing time.
Following Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over West Ham, in which Endo made a late substitute appearance in the 88th minute, Klopp explained that the Japanese international is still adapting to life at Anfield. Klopp also noted that Endo’s calm and polite demeanor, while admirable, may have initially hindered his integration into the team, describing it as a factor that “cost him the first two weeks.”
Wataru Endo only played 91 minutes for Liverpool
However, Klopp emphasized that the 30-year-old midfielder will become an integral part of the squad and assured fans that he is “not a short-term project.”
Klopp stated, “He needs to get used to the things here. Wataru is a super guy, very calm and very polite, and that may have cost him the first two weeks. But he is improving every day. You saw that today; he is there, he will help us a lot, he will play games, he will start games and all these kinds of things. Wataru is a super-important part of the squad, and I am really happy to have him.”
Despite Endo’s limited appearances, Liverpool has enjoyed an undefeated start to the season, with victories over Chelsea, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Wolves, and West Ham. Additionally, Liverpool secured a winning start in the Europa League, defeating LASK 3-1.
Klopp highly appreciates Wataru Endo’s abilities
Klopp expressed his satisfaction with the depth and versatility of Liverpool’s current squad. He highlighted the team’s ability to make substitutions and change 11 players while maintaining a high level of performance.
Klopp praised the squad’s depth, especially considering the absence of key players like Thiago, Trent, and Conor Bradley. He described it as “absolutely crazy” and emphasized the importance of having 23 players of such quality to maintain consistency and competitiveness throughout the season. Klopp acknowledged that
