Wataru Endo Breaks Silence on Limited Game Time Under Arne Slot at Liverpool
The Japanese midfielder shares insights on his conversation with Arne Slot and his commitment to the team despite reduced playing time.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has opened up about his reduced playing time this season under manager Arne Slot. The Japanese international has shown great professionalism and team spirit despite facing challenges in securing a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Endo joined Liverpool during Jürgen Klopp’s tenure, making an impressive 43 appearances in his first season. However, under Slot, he has struggled for minutes, featuring in just six games with a mere 20 minutes of Premier League action this season.
Speaking on his personal podcast, Red Machine – The Wataru Endo Podcast, the 31-year-old revealed he had a candid conversation with Slot about his role in the team.
“I’ve talked with him, and he told me the same thing he said in his interview,” Endo shared. “I’m so grateful that he knows I always work hard on the pitch. It’s good that he came to me to talk about that.”
Slot reportedly emphasized the importance of every player in Liverpool’s squad, highlighting the collective effort required to achieve success in a demanding season.
Liverpool’s midfield is stacked with talent this season, making it difficult for Endo to break into the starting XI. Players like Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Harvey Elliott have been preferred options.
While Endo acknowledges his position in the pecking order, he remains optimistic about contributing when called upon.
Despite his limited minutes, Endo has earned praise from Slot for his attitude and impact during brief appearances. After Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton, Slot highlighted Endo’s importance during the final stages of the game.
“Wata Endo came in, maybe only for 10 minutes. But he was important in that ten minutes with the amount of balls he won and the effort he put in. That’s what makes the team strong, and that’s what we need,” Slot said.
As Liverpool navigates a grueling season, Endo’s experience and work ethic could prove vital. The busy schedule, including Champions League and domestic cup matches, will inevitably lead to squad rotation.
Upcoming fixtures like the Champions League clash against Girona (December 10) and the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton (December 18) could offer Endo valuable opportunities to showcase his abilities.
While Endo may not feature as a first-choice midfielder, his professionalism and dependability make him a valuable asset for Liverpool. As fatigue and injuries affect the squad, Endo’s energy and experience could play a crucial role in helping Liverpool compete across multiple competitions.
