Wataru Endo has faced a lot of skepticism in Liverpool in recent days. Jürgen Klopp asks the fans for a fair chance for the ex-Stuttgarter – and says what news he received.
Surprising newcomer: Wataru Endo (right) will play under Jürgen Klopp in the future. imago images (2)
It’s hard to say that Liverpool fans have been waiting for Wataru Endo. In the past few days, there has been more talk of “shock move” and “panic buy”, i.e. a shock change and panic buying. And so Jürgen Klopp had a concern when the Reds officially signed the Japanese player from VfB Stuttgart on Friday afternoon.
“I know how the world of football is, but take a look, take a look,” the Liverpool manager is quoted as saying on the club’s website. “I can see that in people’s eyes. The names were flying around and they’re like, ‘Okay, they’ve got this, they’ve got this, they’ve got this.’ But give us a second. He’s a really good player. Experienced, captain of Stuttgart, captain of Japan, speaks good English, nice guy, family man, machine on the pitch, good footballer on top of that, sensational attitude. So, I’m really happy .”
I’m not sure we would have gotten him if he wasn’t 30.
Most recently, the Liverpoolers in Moises Caicedo (21, Brighton) and Romeo Lavia (19, Southampton), both of whom preferred to switch to Chelsea, had two desired sixes slipped through their fingers – criticism rained down. The fact that they then came across a significantly cheaper 30-year-old from a Bundesliga club that had almost been relegated caused astonishment on the island. But Klopp also received contrasting reactions – from Germany.
“Since the first rumours, I’ve received a lot of messages from former players. Everyone has said: ‘If that’s true, that’s a brilliant coup’, ‘I’ve wanted to sign him for years’ and stuff like that. It was one very positive thing in Germany – he’s very well regarded,” assures Klopp.
In fact, VfB Endo was very reluctant to let go – shortly before the start of the Bundesliga, the Swabians are without their captain and most important player. “I think it’s really tough for Stuttgart to lose him, but on the other hand it’s also a really good deal, a year before his contract expires,” said Klopp. VfB collects a base fee of 20 million euros, with a further five million euros in bonuses. “It’s good for him, for the club (Stuttgart, Anm. d. Red.) it’s good, it’s very good for us.”
Klopp: “I’ll put it this way: It won’t be a physical problem”
Endo has always been on his list, the coach explained, “but we don’t normally sign players in that age group.” On the other hand: “I’m not sure if we would have gotten him if he wasn’t 30.” Liverpool will “have a lot of fun with him” – maybe even in the short term.
“Of course we have to see how quickly we can use him, but I’ll put it this way: it won’t be a physical problem,” says Klopp. “And the rest: He’s supposed to play the position here that he played in Stuttgart, so there’s not a big difference there. Yes, of course we do things a bit differently, but ultimately it would be cool if he wins tackles and the Ball could move from A to B – and he definitely will, from day one.”
2023-08-18 12:31:23
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