Wataru Endo acknowledged that one of the main reasons he decided to join Liverpool was because of Jurgen Klopp.
This summer, Endo made an unexpected move from Stuttgart to Anfield. The 30-year-old has since been gradually assimilating into the group.
And after spending a few months at Liverpool, Endo talked to Sky Sports on his transitional phase.
When asked if Klopp had any effect on his choice to move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, Endo offered a charming little anecdote.
“It made the decision easier for me because, when I was younger, we all watched [Klopp’s] games because my former Japanese trainer loved his football when he was in Dortmund,” the midfield player acknowledged. So, a dream realised.
Endo acknowledges Klopp’s impact
Endo wasn’t the only player persuaded by Klopp to sign with Liverpool. Jurgen ought to be very appealing to everyone, as he is among the greatest managers of his generation.
Endo shouldn’t have required much persuasion to decide to make a once-in-a-lifetime move to Liverpool.
But it would have been a tough call to make given his position as Stuttgart’s captain.
Endo pushed his way into the MHPArena team after joining in 2019. He rose to lead the squad and was obviously very well-liked by both players and supporters.
It must have been a little intimidating to leave all of that behind in order to take a team player position in a foreign nation. Thus, Liverpool can thank Klopp one more.
It’s one thing to know what to anticipate from the German’s managerial style and style of play, but players must also find solace in the knowledge that he won’t be fired.
How frequently do we witness a manager sign a player to the team, only to have that coach fired shortly after? That kind of situation can leave players in a real state of uncertainty and is not uncommon at all.
Endo and every other prospective recruit at Liverpool are almost positive that this won’t be the case.
Therefore, Klopp’s presence alone ought to be sufficient to secure the final sanction of such agreements. Endo was persuaded by it, and it is unlikely that he will be the last person Jurgen persuades.
