ENDO GUMMING Reds’ combative midfielder all

AS befits a midfield warrior complete with his boxer’s gumshield,wataru Endo was badly bruised by Liverpool’s shock defeat against Atalanta. Now the Japan international, who has become a firm Kop favourite following his £18million arrival fromvfb Stuttgart, promises that Jurgen Klopp’s side will come out fighting against Crystal Palace this afternoon.

“We will be fine but we need to stick together,” Endo stated.

“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 sixth in Italy’s Serie A dismantled Endo & Co on Thursday to inflict a first home defeat of the season, Liverpool will be seeking instant retribution.

Endo, 31, also insists that

Europa League setback won’t derail the desire to fete Klopp’s farewell next month with the German’s second Premier League title.

But after dropping points at Manchester United last Sunday, there can’t be any more hitches in the seven-game title run-in, starting with the visit of Oliver Glasner’s Eagles.

“We need to try and win every game,” Endo added. “It’s important that we have a number of injured players coming back. Now we have to step up and win the game.we want to make it up to the fans after what happened against Atalanta.”

Diogo Jota, out for two months, and another long-term absentee Trent Alexander-arnold were involved on Thursday and will be in the frame to start against Palace, while keeper Alisson is back training again. Endo admits there can’t be any mental hang-ups from that 3-0 first-leg humbling by Atalanta.

“We were all disappointed in the dressing room after the game,” he said. “We have to be in the right mind. Everyone has to give off positive energy.

“Palace are a tough opponent to play. But we are at Anfield again, and we have to start strong and be better offensively.”

He admits that quarter-final 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.”

It’s that work rate and determination which has endeared this surprise signing to the Liverpool fans.

He started wearing the protective mouthpiece in Germany and has continued with it because of his combative style.

On Thursday night, he and his stunned team-mates were against the ropes and unable to ward off

Atalanta’s barrage of punches.

“Now we have to be ready to win again,” said fighter

Endo.