Despite dominating for large parts of the game against Burnley, in true Liverpool fashion, Jürgen Klopp’s side kept everyone on the edge of their seats right up until the dying embers of the game.
The decisive moment finally arrived as the clock reached 90 minutes, with Diogo Jota striking to make it 2-0. As the Portuguese international celebrated with some of his teammates in the corner, Klopp beckoned over one player from the touchline.
Wataru Endō made his way over, and was greeted with the biggest of bear hugs from the Liverpool boss as the Japanese international was lifted off his feet. It might have been the emotions of the game getting the better of Klopp, but there’s no doubt the love for Endō has grown exponentially recently.
His manager said as much in his post-match comments, while also admitting how much Liverpool will miss him next month as he heads off on international duty. “I loved his game, I have to say,” Klopp said (via the ECHO).
“It’s a bit of a shame he’s found his feet and now he goes to the Asia Cup. That’s how it is. It’s fine.
“What a boy. What a player. Very important, but in January we have to play more or less without him. But against Newcastle he is still here. Then the boys leave and then we have to find another way and we will.
“For the moment, I am really happy for him. It took him a little bit to really show how good he really is, but now we can see it. I’m really happy about it.”
Few Liverpool fans could have expected just how much they’d be expecting to miss Endō when he arrived back in August. Coming off the back of failed attempts to sign Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, it was difficult to see how the 30-year-old could live up to the expectations either of those two would have brought. Klopp though always knew.
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Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
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“I’m really happy,” Klopp said after Endō’s signing was confirmed. “Wataru is a really good player. I know in this world of football how it goes and stuff like this, but have a look, have a look, because he’s a really good player.
“Since there’s a rumor out or was a rumor out, I got plenty of messages from former players of mine and stuff like this. Everybody [was like], ‘If it’s true, this is a genius strike. I asked to sign him for years’ and stuff like this. It was a very positive thing in Germany – he’s super-highly respected.”
The dilemma now for Klopp is how he covers for Endō’s absence, and what he does upon his return. Alexis Mac Allister should hopefully be back fit soon and likely reclaim his place at the base of midfield, but will he remain there once Endō’s involvement in the Asia Cup is complete?
He has certainly given Klopp more to think about in 2024. But then, the Liverpool boss seemingly expected that from the start.
