Liverpool star vows to work hard, emphasizing Slot’s trust

Wataru Endo vows to keep working hard while highlighting the trust that Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has in him. Endo has struggled to receive significant game time with the Reds this season after Slot’s appointment as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

The reason for his limited game time is due to the difference in the tactical approach between Slot and Klopp. Slot’s style of play requires a defensive midfielder of a different profile compared to what Klopp preferred in his style.

While Slot changes his tactics according to the opposition, the Dutchman prefers more control from Liverpool in possession and spaces. The former Feyenoord manager believes in balancing the risk and reward factor, bringing more result-oriented efficiency to the Merseyside club.

Whereas Klopp used a direct style of play that allowed a lot of space in the defensive channel. The style of play suited Fabinho and, later, Endo as they covered a lot of ground and prioritized the defensive duties first.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference before playing Paris Saint-Germain, Endo highlighted the trust that Slot has in him, despite the limited game time for Liverpool this season. He said:

“Yeah, it is a little bit tough for me because I don’t play that much. But the thing I can do is help the team. So, my idea is now very simple: I always try to help the team. And if I have a chance to play, I go all in. That’s what I’m thinking, always, and I’ll keep doing that. I have had conversations with the manager a few times in the season. He always told me my attitude and what I have done for the team is always unbelievable. I feel like he trusts me a lot at the moment and that’s what I always try to [have]. I’m happy to be here. I will keep working hard in training and working hard on the pitch as well.”

Endo has featured several times during the latter stages of the game as Slot trusts his defensive capabilities. The Japan captain’s presence alone delivers a huge boost to the Liverpool fans during a closely contested game.

Endo joined Liverpool during the summer of 2024 from Stuttgart in a surprise deal due to his age and low reputation. However, the 32-year-old silenced his critics immediately and became a cult hero for the Kopites with his incredible character.

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Apart from his defensive qualities, Endo is humble, hard-working, selfless and always determined to see Liverpool through. Liverpool fans voted Endo as the Carlsberg Player of the Match against Wolves in a narrow 2-1 victory. Despite his 20-minute cameo, the award highlights the incredible impact that the Japanese captain made when the team needed him.