Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted his concern over Wataru Endo’s absence from the club in the summer. The Japanese will soon represent his country at the Asian Cup in January after establishing himself in the Premier League, which worries his manager. December was an impressive month for Wataru Endo.
The midfielder has set a shining example for Liverpool in recent weeks, making four appearances in the last 10 days. He produced a man of the match performance in yesterday’s (December 26) 2-0 Premier League win over Burnley. Unfortunately for Jurgen Klopp, the player will miss qualification this winter as he will represent Japan at the Asian Cup, which runs from January 12 to February 10.
Faced with the reality of losing an influential player who was just beginning to establish himself at Anfield, the tactician could not be saddened by the situation. Jurgen Klopp said after the win against Burnley: “I enjoyed the game.” “It’s a shame how he found his feet and got to the Asian Cup now, but that’s it. It’s all good.” He’s really a kid and a player and that’s very important. We will have to play without him in January but he is still there against Newcastle.
“Then when the kids leave, we have to find another way, and we do. But now I am very happy for him. It took him a while to show how good he is, but now we’re seeing it and I’m very happy.” Endo, who joined Liverpool from Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart last summer, made 24 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions during the transfer window. He scored 3 goals and 1 assist that year.
