Wataru Endo reveals one striking difference between Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool stay in the hunt on all four fronts

Wataru Endo insists Liverpool are ‘more stable’ under Arne Slot compared to Jurgen Klopp and that he is happy to continue playing at centre-back if it means more minutes under the Dutchman.

Asked about adapting under Slot, Endo said: ‘I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of difference – we want to put pressure high. I think the new manager is more stable so he likes the players to stay in their positions how he wants and that’s different. But I really enjoy how he plays at the moment and I think everyone enjoys playing his tactics.’

After beating Accrington Stanley on Saturday, Liverpool are still competing on all four fronts and the Japan international admitted that despite playing only 58 minutes across the Premier League and Champions League this season, he is fine with playing his part in the domestic cups.

‘I don’t get frustrated or anything like that. I always try to get ready to help the team. Of course I want to play every game but we need everyone in the squad. The thing I can do is prepare for every game, said Endo. 

‘I think we played well (against Accrington). The players who don’t play constantly have played very well so that is the most important thing for the team to achieve something. We need everybody so we need to get ready for every game that’s coming.’

Slot’s side are still competing for all four trophies following this weekend’s FA Cup victory

Jurgen Klopp left at the end of last season which paved the way for Slot to take over the reins

Endo started at centre-half just like he did against Southampton in the EFL Cup last month and the 31-year-old revealed that he doesn’t mind playing at the back

‘I used to play as a defender when I was 18 to 25 years old so I don’t mind if I play centre-back or number six. I just do what I can do,’ he said. ‘I don’t discuss with the manager what my position is. Now Joe (Gomez) has got an injury and Ibou (Konate) is just coming back so that’s why I played. He also thinks putting me as a defender is a good option to play his tactics so I hope I’m going to get a lot more minutes than before.’

And Endo hailed 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who became the youngest Liverpool player ever to start a competitive match, insisting that he has a ‘big future’ ahead.

‘I think he played very well – especially in the first half,’ he said. ‘His dribbling is amazing. My son is 11 years old so there’s only five years difference so I can’t believe I play with him. I’m so happy he made his debut today. It’s a special moment for him. He also said it is just the beginning so he needs to keep working hard. He trains like that so I’m not surprised he played like that today.’