Olympics threaten to derail Slot's Liverpool plan

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo wants to represent Japan in the Olympics, creating problems for the pre-season plans for Arne Slot

Liverpool star Wataru Endo reveals his desire to represent Japan in the Olympics, causing pre-season planning issues for Arne Slot. Slot succeeded legendary manager Jurgen Klopp after the end of the last season and needs pre-season to implement his plans.

The Dutchman enjoyed a similar philosophy and culture of developing youngsters at his former club Feyenoord that Klopp used at Liverpool. However, Slot has a vastly different tactical style of play than Klopp and he requires time to install those ideas.

New managers use pre-seasons to implement their ideas and style but the Euro 2024 and the Olympics are creating issues. The 45-year-old has to assess the players who have returned from last season’s loan alongside evaluating the depth in the squad.

Liverpool star Wataru Endo earned a "cult hero" status at the club due to his humble and professional attitude alongside strong performances last season. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — Liverpool star Wataru Endo earned a “cult hero” status at the club due to his humble and professional attitude alongside strong performances last season. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Speaking to ABEMA Sports Time (via Liverpool Echo), Endo expressed his desire to play for Japan in the upcoming Olympics. He said:

“I’m also kind of wondering what will happen. Nothing has been decided yet. I’m also kind of wondering what will happen. Nothing has been decided yet.”

Liverpool signed Endo last summer after failing to find a suitable replacement for Fabinho in the defensive midfield role. Despite the lack of reputation in Europe, the Japan Captain turned into a cult hero at Anfield with good performances.

"With his vlog he's showing that, 'Don't be afraid of where you've come from, your stature.'" ✊

Wataru Endo is inspiring footballers in Japan with vlogs and a self-help book ranging from in-depth tactical discussions about football to parenting techniques 👏
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 2, 2024

Endo is a hard-working and humble professional who speaks his mind and selflessly puts the team before himself. Liverpool fans appreciate his personality and believe that the 31-year-old has a good role to play as a squad member.

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Nevertheless, Liverpool needs an upgrade in the defensive midfield position as they lack number-six options in their current squad. Meanwhile, Slot would prefer to keep all the players in his pre-season camp to teach them the new tactics Liverpool could still honour Japan’s and Endo’s request to play in the Olympics if the player is adamant.