Endo Thrilled for Wembley Opportunity with Liverpool
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo is eagerly anticipating the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, believing that a victory in the prestigious competition will provide the extra energy needed to maintain their challenge on three other fronts. The Sunday meeting between Liverpool and Chelsea is a repeat of their 2022 encounter at Wembley, which saw Jurgen Klopp’s side emerge victorious after an intense penalty shootout, with only one player, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, missing his shot.
However, the starting lineup for this weekend’s final is expected to have only four players from that victorious team, with Mohamed Salah being a potential fifth player if he recovers from a minor issue following his return from a hamstring problem. This reshuffling of the team can be attributed to high-profile departures and a series of injuries that have plagued Liverpool recently. The extent of the injury crisis was evident in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Luton, where Klopp had to name a bench comprising three defenders and four academy players. If this situation persists, it could seriously hamper Liverpool’s bid to compete in the Premier League, where they currently hold the top spot, as well as in the FA Cup and Europa League.
Despite the challenges, Endo believes that winning a trophy has the power to boost the team’s morale and energy. For many players, including the Japanese international himself, this will be their first chance to secure a title with Liverpool. Endo, who was signed for £16 million in the summer, expressed his excitement about playing at Wembley for the first time and emphasized the positive impact winning the Carabao Cup would have on their other competitions. He stated, “Winning at Wembley would give us extra energy for the challenges ahead. I’m so excited to play there. It will be my first time at such a special stadium. It would mean a lot to me. It would be my first title with Liverpool, and I’m focused on doing everything I can to help the team win the final.”
Endo also revealed that Klopp has been emphasizing the importance of staying positive and demonstrating the identity of Liverpool as a club. The team showcased this spirit in their recent victory over Luton. Endo expressed his admiration for Klopp, who recently announced his decision to leave at the end of the season, and his desire to repay the manager’s faith by achieving titles before his departure. Despite initially being viewed as an emergency stop-gap holding midfielder, Endo has proven his critics wrong and secured his place as the team’s anchor, filling the void left by Fabinho’s departure to Saudi Arabia in the summer.
Acknowledging the pressure that comes with playing for a club like Liverpool, Endo emphasized that he wanted to enjoy his time in the Premier League and give his best effort every time he steps onto the field. He believes that over the course of the season, he has developed as a player, which has boosted his confidence.
As Sunday marks the first significant milestone in Klopp’s farewell journey, Endo and his teammates are determined to make it a memorable one. While injuries and departures have presented challenges, Liverpool’s spirit and determination remain unwavering as they aim to secure their first title of the season at Wembley.