Jurgen Klopp has emphasized the importance of Wataru Endo adapting to the Liverpool squad if he hopes to secure a regular starting position.
The Japanese midfielder was acquired from Stuttgart during the summer transfer window for approximately £16 million but has only made two starting appearances thus far.
In the Premier League, Alexis Mac Allister has been the preferred choice as the defensive midfielder in recent games, contributing to Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over West Ham.
Endo had limited playing time as a substitute in the West Ham match, but there is a possibility that he may start in the Carabao Cup third-round clash against Leicester City on Wednesday night.
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Jurgen Klopp on Wataru Endo
Klopp addressed Endo’s situation following the West Ham win, stating in the Post-Match press conference,
“He needs to get used to the things here. Wataru is a super guy, very calm and very polite and that cost him the first two weeks, maybe. That’s now getting there. He is not 30 or whatever and wants to get some people out of the way to get into the team, but he is improving every day.
You saw that today, he is there, he will help us a lot, he will play games, he will start games and all these kinds of things. It’s all good, he had already three or four games now for us in a very short period. That is what counts, it is not a short-term project. Wataru is a super-important part of the squad and I am really happy to have him.”
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Update on Liverpool vs Leicester City: The Carabao Cup Game
The third-round match at Anfield is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27, with a kickoff time of 7:45 PM BST.
It’s worth noting that this game will not be broadcast live on television in the United Kingdom.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
