Wataru Endo admits he must adjust to Klopp’s Liverpool role, distinct from Stuttgart.
Wataru Endo has acknowledged that he’s having to ‘adjust’ to life under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool because his role is significantly different from what he was accustomed to at Stuttgart. The Japanese international joined Liverpool from the Bundesliga club earlier this summer and is still adapting to life on Merseyside.
The defensive midfielder delivered his best performance to date on Wednesday night as Klopp’s team defeated Leicester City 3-1 in the League Cup, and the new No. 3 is eager to continue demonstrating his abilities in a Liverpool shirt.
“I enjoyed it so much, I thought I was better than in the other games.” The 30-year-old told.
“I am happy that I was able to show who I am. Defensively, I’m trying to adapt. Like I played in the second half tonight, I wanted to play like that at Newcastle and in the Europa game, but I understand I needed some time. It felt so good to play the full 90 minutes, and I felt like I was able to make a difference. If I keep playing like I did in the second half, then I hope I’ll play more in the Premier League. I feel ready. I have to perform like that in every game.”
Endo was the club captain at Stuttgart and was greatly beloved among the fans, but he couldn’t resist the opportunity to fulfill his ‘dream’ and join Liverpool. He has admitted that the pace of the game in England is much ‘faster’ compared to the Bundesliga, and he’s being asked to take on a broader role than he was tasked with at Stuttgart.
The Reds will aim to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign when they face Spurs in the capital tomorrow, with the £16 million man expected to start on the bench.
“The system is different, the game is faster, and my position here is a bit higher than it was,” Endo added. “The manager doesn’t want me to just stay in front of the defenders. I have to push higher and try to get the ball all the time. Here, we have to win every game, but I don’t feel pressure as a result of that. I am humble, but I have the mentality that I’m here because they believe in me. It’s exciting to be a part of it. This is my dream, and I’m enjoying it. We have done great so far.”
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