Press conferenceWataru Endo: My idea is very simple - to always help the team

The Japan international was part of the 24-man Reds squad that travelled to France on Tuesday afternoon for the first leg of their last-16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening.

Endo then took questions from the media at the pre-match press conference, and was asked about his attitude regarding his amount of game time under Arne Slot so far.

“Yeah, it is a little bit tough for me because I don’t play that much,” said the No.3, who has totalled 23 appearances this term – 17 of those from the bench.

“But the thing I can do is help the team. So, my idea is now very simple: I always try to help the team. And if I have a chance to play, I go all in.

“That’s what I’m thinking, always, and I’ll keep doing that.”

Endo continued: “I have had conversations with the manager a few times in the season. He always told me my attitude and what I have done for the team is always unbelievable.

“I feel like he trusts me a lot at the moment and that’s what I always try to [have]. I’m happy to be here. I will keep working hard in training and working hard on the pitch as well.”

Both Liverpool and PSG currently hold 13-point advantages at the top of their domestic leagues.

The Reds automatically advanced to the Champions League’s last 16 by topping the 36-team table in the opening phase, while Wednesday’s hosts had to navigate the play-off round after placing 15th.

Luis Enrique’s team were emphatic winners over fellow French side Brest, however, amassing a 10-0 aggregate result over the two legs.

On facing PSG, Endo said: “Of course, I saw the draw and when I saw the draw I was very excited because PSG are a very good team and they have been playing so well so far.

“I knew it was going to be a very tough game but I think everyone is excited to play against PSG.”

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The midfielder was subsequently asked to explain which areas of the pitch he feels could be key battles in deciding the tie, which will conclude at Anfield next Tuesday.

“Everywhere, to be honest! I think offensively they always try to play football,” he responded.

“I think their wingers are key when they attack because they have a lot of good wingers and I think [Ousmane] Dembele is the top scorer in the team. So we definitely need to take care of him. But everyone is a good player.

“We are here to show ourselves, that’s the main thing we are thinking always. But definitely it’s going to be a very exciting game tomorrow.”