Wataru Endo has admitted he was shocked by Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down as Liverpool manager – but insists the ambition is to mark his send off with silverware.
The German shocked the footballing world last Friday by revealing he will leave his post in a bombshell announcement. Klopp will call time on his time in the Anfield dugout after nine years at the end of the campaign.
Despite having two years remaining on his contract on Merseyside, after extending in 2022, the 56-year-old explained that he is running out of energy.
Endo has been away from Liverpool since the win over Newcastle United at the start of the year having joined up with Japan for the Asia Cup. The Samurai Blue are in the quarter-final against Iran on February 3 and the news of Klopp’s departure came as a shock to the Liverpool midfielder.
“Of course I was surprised, but I have supported Liverpool for a long time,” he said. “He’s a human being, so I have no choice but to respect his decision, and other players who have been with me for a long time may be more shocked than me.
“But anyway, I think our goal as a team is to win the title in the end.”
Endo enjoyed a strong end to his first months at Liverpool before joining up with his international teammates, after enduring a tough start following his move from VfB Stuttgart.
“He won’t disappear in the winter, and Klopp will be there when I get back,” Endo added. “My goals for this season haven’t changed at all, and I think I’ll have to think about things after summer then. Right now, all I’m thinking about is winning the Asian Cup.”
