NewsWataru Endo: My first trophy with Liverpool would mean a lot
Wataru Endo is hugely excited by the prospect of playing in his first final with Liverpool this weekend.
The midfielder helped the Reds keep their Premier League title challenge on course with a 4-1 victory over Luton Town on Wednesday night, a result achieved despite a half-time deficit at Anfield.
Focus has now turned to Sunday’s trip to Wembley, with a Carabao Cup final against Chelsea awaiting Jürgen Klopp’s men.
Endo cannot wait for the experience of representing the club at the national stadium, expressing his determination to ensure the trophy returns with the squad to Merseyside.
“If we could win this first [trophy] I think it would have a really positive impact on the other competitions we’re competing in. Winning at Wembley would give us extra energy for the challenges ahead,” said the No.3.
“I’m so excited to play there [at Wembley]. I heard that 90,000 people will be there to watch. It will be my first time at such a special stadium.
“It would mean a lot to me. It would be my first title with Liverpool. I’m very excited. I’m focused on doing everything I can to help the team win the final.
“The fans, they have been amazing to me. The atmosphere was crazy in the second half against Luton. It helps us so much as a team and I am happy to play with these fans behind us. They inspire us.”
Klopp’s announcement last month of his decision to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of 2023-24 means Endo will have just a single campaign working with the boss.
And that is an added incentive for the Japan captain to repay the gratitude he feels for Klopp in the form of silverware.
“I was sad to hear about that [Klopp departing]. I really enjoy playing for him and playing football the way he plays,” said Endo.
“It’s disappointing but I really want us to achieve titles for him before he goes. I’ve only played for Jürgen for one season. Others have been here a lot longer so maybe have more emotion, but he has helped me so much.”
The Reds squad available for the visit of Luton was affected by a number of injury issues, with Klopp praising the mentality of those who did play after they dug deep for the points.
Endo, who featured throughout the victory, considered it a strong show of togetherness.
“We’ve lost a lot of players but the win against Luton showed that we still have a lot of good players available. You can see how we’re very much together as a team,” he added.
“The manager has spoken to us about staying positive and needing to show that we are Liverpool. We did that against Luton. We don’t think too much about injured players, we just focus on the next game in front of us.”