Liverpool Star Reveals He Has ‘Had Talks’ with Arne Slot Over Lack of Playing Time | OneFootball

Wataru Endo Discusses Limited Playtime Under Arne Slot

In the bustling world of Premier League football, Liverpool’s approach under the guidance of Arne Slot has stirred plenty of discussions. Among these, the usage of midfielder Wataru Endo in the 2024/25 season presents a notable shift. Despite being an integral part of the squad under previous management, Endo finds himself grappling with a stark reduction in minutes on the pitch.

Endo’s Journey: From Klopp’s Choice to Slot’s Substitution Strategy

Wataru Endo’s transition from a regular under Jurgen Klopp to a more sporadic presence under Arne Slot is quite the talking point. During the 2023/24 season, his contributions were critical, with 43 appearances across all competitions, amassing 2,758 minutes. Known for his versatility, Endo excelled primarily in a defensive midfield role, adjusting his game to suit various tactical needs.

Photo: IMAGO

Fast forward to the current season, and the landscape has drastically changed for the 31-year-old. Under Slot’s strategic adjustments, Endo has seen limited action, managing just nine appearances with a mere 167 minutes of gameplay. His opportunities have been confined largely to two starts in the Carabao Cup, an indicator of Slot’s preference for Ryan Gravenberch in the midfield.

Reflecting on New Roles and Reduced Minutes

The shift in usage has prompted Endo to reflect on his new role within the team. In a revealing discussion on his podcast, produced in collaboration with Kodansha, a Liverpool partner and Japanese printing agency, Endo shared insights from a conversation with Slot. The Liverpool manager had praised Endo after a Carabao Cup victory, noting, “I really liked him against West Ham and what I respect about him is his personality.”

Slot highlighted the professionalism Endo brings, even in limited roles, saying, “Sometimes I see players who come in five minutes before have a [downturned] face and play like that [too]. But whenever we needed him, even if it was for five minutes, he showed up for the team and for himself.”

Endo’s response to this was poignant. “Yeah, I’ve talked with him. He told me the same things as he said in the press conference. I think that’s what I need to do at the moment, and I’m so glad that he knows I always try to work hard on the pitch.”

Endo’s Perspective on Team Dynamics and Personal Growth

Despite the challenges posed by his reduced playtime, Endo remains philosophical about his contributions and the team dynamics under Slot. “Yeah, it’s good that he came to me and talked about it. To play for Liverpool FC is not easy,” he acknowledged.

Photo: IMAGO

“The manager told me that we needed everyone. So, not only me, but everyone is working hard in every training session and every minute they get [on the pitch],” he added. This sense of collective effort and the recognition of his role, even in brief appearances, underscores Endo’s commitment to Liverpool’s success.

Endo’s adaptability was further tested in a challenging 2-2 draw with Arsenal, where he was subbed in late. Discussing this, he mentioned, “That situation, it’s difficult to be subbed in, but I’m not afraid to play in that situation.” He elaborated on his tactical flexibility, “In that kind of game, I play not only as a six, but also in a higher position that I usually play… so I just focus on what the manager told me before I subbed in.”

Conclusion: Adapting to Change Under Arne Slot

As Liverpool continues to evolve under Arne Slot’s management, players like Wataru Endo are finding ways to contribute effectively, irrespective of the substantial shifts in their roles and minutes. Endo’s professional attitude towards these changes not only reflects his personal resilience but also highlights the broader tactical adaptations taking place at Liverpool.

While his current situation may differ vastly from previous seasons, Endo’s ongoing dialogue with Slot and his proactive approach to adapting his role exemplify the spirit required to thrive at the highest levels of football.