Wataru Endo admits he's 'not satisfied' as Liverpool midfielder addresses lack of games
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballWataru EndoWataru Endo has struggled for game-time at Liverpool again this season and has seen his place in the Japan team affected as a resultWataru Endo admits he's not been satisfied with his recent lack of game time at Liverpool having lost his starting place with Japan as a result.Midfielder Endo was an unused substitute in Japan's 2-0 victory over Ghana on Friday, before returning to the starting XI for the 3-0 win over Bolivia on Tuesday, just his second appearance for his country in the current campaign.The 32-year-old has made seven appearances for the Reds this season, but the only two starts came in Carabao Cup matches against Southampton and Crystal Palace, and his four Premier League outings have amassed just 36 minutes on the pitch, half an hour of which came in the 4-2 win over Bournemouth on the opening night of the season.READ MORE: Roy Hodgson will 'always remember' Jamie Carragher's parting message after Liverpool sackingREAD MORE: Virgil van Dijk sets new record but Liverpool team-mate told he's 'best player'Endo made 20 appearances for the Reds in last season's Premier League title winning campaign, developing a reputation as an 'enforcer' brought on by Arne Slot late on in matches. But the Japanese played 43 games for Liverpool in his first campaign, Jurgen Klopp's last with the club.Admitting he has seen his appearances dwindle in recent months, Endo said, via Soccer King: “I haven’t played many games, but I played with the feeling that I had to perform at a high level.
I was conscious of organising the whole team well and how to defend in difficult situations."Speaking after Japan's win over Bolivia, he added to assembled media: “And as for today, it was [Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu’s] 100th game as manager, so I’m glad we were able to end it with a win.“It was a milestone match, so I think it was good that we won, but I’m not completely satisfied. So first I’ll go back to my club and do my best so that I can meet you again in March with a good face.“It’s tough, but my match fitness hasn’t deteriorated that much.
It wasn’t bad.”Endo will hope to earn a place in Slot's matchday squad for Saturday's visit of Bournemouth having been an unused substitute in recent matches against Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City.