Wataru Endo admits he has found himself in a “difficult moment” out of starting contention under Arne Slot, as he “still feels like he can play every game.”
Endo spent the final three months of the season sidelined with a foot injury, but even before then he was barely used aside from in emergency.
The 33-year-old made 12 appearances, with only three starts, clocking the fewest minutes on the pitch of any senior player (455).
In the previous campaign he featured 32 times, but averaged even fewer minutes on the pitch per game (27, from a total of 865) as he found himself in the role of ‘closer’.
Speaking on FIFPRO’s ‘Footballers Unfiltered’, in quotes carried by Liverpool’s official website, Endo described it as a “difficult moment” for him.
“It’s a difficult moment for me because I haven’t played a lot of games this season and also last season as well,” he said.
“But I think the most important thing is to be ready for every game. Even if you play only five or 10 minutes, you have to play well on the pitch.
“So, that’s what I tried [in] the last few seasons.
“I feel like I get a little bit older because I’m already 33 years old and I don’t play a lot of games, but I still feel like I can play every game for Liverpool or something like that.
“So, I think to stay positive is also important for me to achieve something.”
Wataru Endo: Liverpool Minutes by Season
|2023/24|2024/25|2025/26|
|---|---|---|---|
|Manager|Jurgen Klopp|Arne Slot|Arne Slot|
|Apps|44|32|12|
|Minutes|2848|865|455|
|Avg. Mins|64.7|27.0|37.9|
* Data represents all competitive club competitions.
While Endo maintains a positive attitude it is clear he believes he is still capable of starting week in, week out at a high level.
That will not happen under Slot at Liverpool, and perhaps rightly so given his age and the competition for places in the midfield, which could signal a summer transfer.
Eintracht Frankfurt were credited with an interest in the former Stuttgart captain last summer, while Marseille were unsuccessful in a £11.8 million bid the year before that.
With a year left on his contract both player and club are likely to make a big decision over whether to part ways or see out another season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 16, 2025: Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Wataru Endo during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atlético de Madrid. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
Speaking last year, Virgil van Dijk emphasised the important role Endo plays despite not being used as often as he would like on the pitch.
“He is one of the leaders and I’m really happy to have him,” the captain said.
“I know it’s me speaking as the captain but you need certain leaders around to build on and help and Wata is definitely one of those.
“I am really happy with him and hopefully he can still be around for at least another few years.”