Liverpool star Endo risks angering Klopp as ex-Reds ace shines for Japan

14 January 2024 , 15:10

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Japan got the better of Vietnam in their first Asia Cup game

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo helped Japan's Asia Cup campaign get off to a winning start with an assist during the 4-2 win over Vietnam, a result that his boss Jurgen Klopp might not be happy with.

Japan are widely viewed as the favourites to win the tournament, but found themselves 2-1 down at one point during their opening clash of the competition. They actually had a former Liverpool talent to thank for sparing their blushes, with Takumi Minamino bagging a brace, with his first coming inside the first 11 minutes.

However, Vietnam soon flipped the game on its head and after goals from Nguyen Dình Bac and Pham Tuan Hai, they were 2-1 up just aftere the half hour mark. Minimano's second levelled things up in the 45th minute, aided by a delightful Endo assist and Japan actually went into the interval leading thanks to Keito Nakamura's goal.

A second-half goal from Ayase Ueda five minutes from full-time all but ended the tie as a competition and seal Japan's victory. The Samurai Blue are currently ranked 17th in the world and aiming to win the Asia Cup for the first time since 2011.

Liverpool boss Klopp will undoubtedly be keeping a keen eye on how Endo performs and will keep his fingers crossed that the midfielder returns without an injury. Ahead of the tournament, Klopp joked he wanted Japan to be dumped out at the group stage, as well as Egpyt in their Africa Cup of Nations effort, so he'd have Endo and Mohamed Salah back as soon as possible.

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The Reds manager told reporters: "I said, if I wish you good luck, it would be a lie! That's not what I did, obviously. From a personal point of view, I would be happy if they went out of the group stage but it's probably not possible, and then they can go and win it as well.

"Good luck, see you, come back healthy, that's pretty much the words. Now we have to deal with it and will deal with it."

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Wataru Endo shone for Japan against Vietnam in the Asia Cup

Endo has since addressed his manager's light-hearted remarks, speaking after the win over Vietnam. "Of course the coach meant that as a joke but I do feel very honoured that he feels I need to be back at Liverpool," the 30-year-old explained. "I'm here now, I'm the captain of the team and all I'm thinking about is bringing the trophy back to Liverpool."

Japan aren't in action again until Friday, when they face off with Iraq. As for Salah and his Egypt side, they will take on Mozambique on Sunday evening.

Josh O'Brien