Wataru Endo will be hoping to help Liverpool boss Arne Slot win his first trophy as Reds manager
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is on his way to lift a memorable Premier League title this year. The Dutchman, who came in as a successor of legendary manager Jurgen Klopp, has not put a foot wrong ever since arriving at the club. The Reds also find themselves in the final of the Carabao Cup and will face Newcastle United this weekend.
Key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk have stepped up massively this season for the Reds. But, Arne Slot has made sure that everyone in his squad contributes to the success of this club and the squad players have lived up to his expectations. Every player in that Liverpool squad has helped in some way or the other.
Arne Slot will be hoping to lift the Carabao Cup on Sunday against Newcastle United
With many fans and pundits doubting the potential of Arne Slot and his ability to live up to the expectations set by departing manager Jurgen Klopp, the Dutchman had one big task of proving his critics wrong and win an unlikely silverware. Now, the ex-Feyenoord manager is already on his way to equal Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League trophy tally.
Endo talks about Liverpool boss Slot
Wataru Endo has not had regular game time this season for Liverpool. As per Sofascore, the Japan international has managed to play just 773 minutes in 26 games in all competitions and has been mostly used a substitute to see the game out by Arne Slot.
However, the 32-year-old has played an important part in the Carabao Cup and has helped the Reds reach the finals in consecutive seasons. According to Sofascore, Endo has started four games in the competition this season and scored an average rating of 6.96 throughout those games.
On his podcast “The Red Machine”, the 32-year-old spoke about the importance of cup games for squad players. The Japan international said,
“I’ve played a lot of Carabao Cup games this season, which is very important for the other players that don’t play much in the Premier League. If everyone is ready we can achieve a lot of things together so yes, it’s a cup tournament but for the players every game is so important. I don’t play in the Premier League much but when I play cup games, I want to win them and I’m so happy to go to the final.”
The Liverpool No.3 then added,
“Recently, the manager told me what I’ve done this season is really amazing and really helpful for the team because even though I haven’t had the chance to play a lot when I do, I always try and give 100 percent to help the team. The manager is very grateful for that. Yeah, I feel it a little bit because even this season, when I play on the pitch, the Liverpool fans always try to support me.”
Slot proving his elite man-management credentials
Arne Slot’s elite man management has been a crucial factor in Liverpool’s success this season, and Wataru Endo’s comments only reinforce that point. Despite limited game time, Endo feels valued, motivated, and ready to step up when called upon, a testament to Slot’s ability to maintain squad harmony and keep every player engaged.
Slot has masterfully balanced the expectations that come with replacing a legend like Jurgen Klopp while ensuring that his squad players don’t feel overlooked. By giving Endo significant responsibility in cup competitions and publicly appreciating his contributions, Slot has fostered a culture where even those outside the starting XI feel like vital cogs in the machine.
This level of management is what separates good coaches from great ones. Slot’s approach ensures Liverpool’s depth remains strong, with every player prepared to deliver when needed. It’s no surprise that the Reds are excelling on multiple fronts this season, every squad member is pulling in the same direction, and that is a direct reflection of the manager’s influence.
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Wataru Endo will be hoping to make a mark in the final and help Arne Slot lift his first silverware as a Liverpool manager. The 32-year-old is already a fan favourite at the club and even though he has got limited game time, Endo will be hoping that the manager and the fans reply on him during this crucial part of the season.