CRYSTAL BALLS!
Endo: We’ll fight back from Euro horror
AS BEFITS a midfield warrior complete with his boxer-type gumshield, Wataru Endo was badly bruised by Liverpool’s shock emphatic defeat against Atalanta.
Now the Japan international, who has become a firm Kop favourite following his bargain €18million arrival from VFB Stuttgart last summer, promises that Jurgen Klopp’s side will come out fighting against Crystal Palace today.
Endo said: “We will be fine but we need to stick together.
“Thankfully we have another game coming up quickly and we have to be ready for it.”
Back at Anfield, where the stunned fans could hardly believe their eyes as a side that are sixth in Italy’s Serie A dismantled Endo and Co 3-0 on Thursday night, Liverpool will be seeking instant retribution.
Endo also insists the Europa League setback will not derail the desire to mark Klopp’s farewell next month with the German’s second Premier League title.
But there cannot be any setbacks in the final seven games, starting with the visit of Oliver Glasner’s Eagles.
Important
Endo added: “We need to try to win every game. It’s important that we have a number of injured players coming back.
“Now we have to step up and win. We want to make it up to the fans after what happened against Atalanta.”
Diogo Jota, back after two months out, and Trent Alexanderarnold, another longterm absentee, were involved on Thursday night and will be in the frame to start against Palace, while missing keeper Alisson is back training again and could be available.
Endo admits there cannot be any mental hang-ups from the Atalanta humbling.
He said: “We were all disappointed in the dressing room after the game. We have to be in the right mind. Everyone has to give off positive energy.
“Palace are tough opponents to play. But we are at Anfield again and we have to start strong and be better offensively than we have been in the last few games.”
Endo admits it was his worst feeling in a Liverpool shirt but freak results can happen.
“This was not a shock because sometimes this happens in football,” Endo said.
“I try to give everything on the pitch as I did against Atalanta but sometimes there is a reason you can’t get the best result every time.
“Now I will try to give everything for this game and the Europa League game as well.”
It is that work rate and determination which has endeared the 31-year-old to the Liverpool fans.
Combative
He started wearing the protective mouthpiece in Germany.
It gives the combative midfielder the look of a fighter as he guards the back four, allowing Alexis Mac Allister to weave his midfield magic further up the pitch.
On Thursday night he and his stunned teammates were against the ropes, unable to ward off Atalanta’s punches.
“Now we have to be ready to win again,”
Endo stressed.
LIVERPOOL
Today C Palace H
Apr 21 Fulham A
Apr 24 Everton A
Apr 27 W Ham A
May 4 Spurs H
May 13 A Villa A
May 19 Wolves H
MAN CITY
April 13 5-1 Luton H
Apr 25 Brighton A
Apr 28 N Forest A
May 4 Wolves H
May 11 Fulham A
May 14 Spurs A
May 19 W Ham H