Wataru Endo, already a peripheral determine for Liverpool, is now not a daily starter for Japan both – with the midfielder admitting he’s “not glad” at current.
Endo performed for the primary time in 5 video games for his nationwide group in Tuesday’s 3-0 pleasant win over Bolivia, having misplaced his beginning spot to Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano.
It’s undoubtedly a irritating scenario for the 32-year-old, significantly as he has little alternative to select up the minutes at Liverpool both.
The truth is although he has solely featured twice for Japan thus far this season, he has performed simply 55 minutes extra for Arne Slot‘s aspect regardless of the Reds having 3 times as many video games.
Talking to reporters after the victory over Bolivia, Endo mirrored on his scenario and admitted he was “not utterly glad.”
What Endo stated on his wrestle with Japan and Liverpool
“I haven’t performed many video games, however I performed with the sensation that I needed to carry out at a excessive stage,” he stated per Soccer King.
“I used to be aware of organising the entire group properly and tips on how to defend in troublesome conditions.
“And as for right now, it was [Hajime Moriyasu’s] a centesimal sport as supervisor, so I’m glad we have been capable of finish it with a win.”
Endo added: “It was a milestone match, so I believe it was good that we received, however I’m not utterly glad.
“So first I’ll return to my membership and do my finest in order that I can meet you once more in March with a great face.”
The Japan squad will reconvene for the primary worldwide break of 2026 – however that’s nonetheless 4 months away now, with Endo hopeful he could make a stronger impression at Liverpool within the meantime.
Liverpool ought to capitalise on motivated Endo
Regardless of his lack of minutes all through the marketing campaign, the veteran midfielder insisted he’s nonetheless in good situation for every time he’s known as upon.
“It’s robust, however my match health hasn’t deteriorated that a lot,” he defined. “It wasn’t dangerous.”
Endo’s subsequent probability to begin for his membership could not come till January, within the FA Cup third spherical, although it stays doable that Slot will flip to his No. 3 within the Premier League or Champions League – and arguably ought to do given his drive and the problems in Liverpool’s engine room.
It’s clear, nevertheless, that although he’s extremely regarded at Anfield, Endo has dropped down the midfield pecking order this season.
That would see the Japan captain take into account his future, and probably as early as January, having beforehand insisted he would solely transfer on “if the membership tells me to go away.”
