Wataru Endo has addressed his situation at Liverpool following a rejected transfer bid, as he faces limited playing time under new head coach Arne Slot. Meanwhile, Celtic legend John Hartson recently shared a heartfelt birthday message with Aston Villa’s John McGinn, who has long idolized Henrik Larsson. Despite missing an international break, McGinn is back in action after recovering from a hamstring injury and is eager to return to form amid a busy schedule with Villa.
Endo Addresses Liverpool Situation After Bid Rejection
Wataru Endo has struggled to secure regular playing time at Liverpool since Arne Slot took over as head coach. The unexpected £16.2m signing from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2023 made 43 appearances last season under Jurgen Klopp, including 34 starts, contributing to the Reds’ qualification for the Champions League and their League Cup victory.
After a summer move for Martin Zubimendi fell through, Ryan Gravenberch has moved ahead of the Japan international in the hierarchy for the number six role this season.
The Dutchman has played every minute of Liverpool’s 15 Premier League and Champions League games, while Endo’s two starts have been limited to the League Cup.
Meanwhile, he has made just five substitute appearances, totaling only 20 minutes, in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
The Japan captain’s future has been surrounded by transfer rumors since Slot’s appointment. Marseille had a £12m offer for the 31-year-old turned down last summer, and although he remained at Liverpool, he has recently been rumored to be a target for Wolverhampton Wanderers in January.
It’s unclear whether the midfielder will move when the transfer window reopens. However, despite his limited playing time at Anfield this season, Endo has stated that he remains confident and is working hard to stay at his best.
“With regards to attacking, you could say Slot is more positional,” said Endo of his new head coach. “He’s the kind of coach who’s very precise about where each individual player should be positioned…
“Of course, when you’re not playing, people keep asking about your game sense or if it’s affecting your performance.
“I’m not playing, but I’m training very hard to keep my condition, and as captain, I feel I have to show a high level of performance for the national team.
“For that to happen, I just have to play with confidence. I know that when I’m not playing, everybody is looking closely at my performance, and so I have to maintain a high level and make sure I give 100%.”
John Hartson Shares Celtic Message to Aston Villa’s McGinn
The main reason is that it will be the first encounter between two former European champions – Celtic and Aston Villa.
John McGinn, a lifelong Celtic supporter, is the captain for Villa.
Unai Emery’s team is currently in the last Champions League play-off spot, but Brendan Rodgers and his squad are just two points behind.
Either way, you’ll be hoping McGinn is fit to play against Celtic when they visit the Midlands on January 29, as it promises to be a memorable event.
While talking about that fixture and the current Scotland matches, along with John’s brother Stephen McGinn, John Hartson mentioned an intriguing message he recently sent to the Villa midfielder.
John Hartson tells John McGinn’ sorry, I am not Henrik Larsson’
McGinn has openly stated that Henrik Larsson is his Celtic hero, which isn’t surprising considering Larsson’s dominance during the time McGinn was growing up in Scotland.
One interesting thing McGinn has mentioned before is that he would love to receive a birthday message from the King of Kings himself.
Hartson revealed that last month, during McGinn’s 30th birthday celebrations, he sent him a message wishing him well but also humorously added, “Sorry, I am not Henrik Larsson.“
Stephen intriguingly shared that the birthday message John had been hoping for from Larsson finally arrived, as he told Go Radio.
McGinn’s older brother mentioned, “He was devastated to miss the first international break, as it was the first camp he had missed in a long time. He’s thrilled to be back now after recovering from his hamstring injury. It’s been a hectic schedule with Aston Villa.”
And then Hartson added: “Did he tell you I sent him a birthday message, a private message? I said, ‘Look, sorry, it’s not Henrik Larsson, but I just want to wish you happy birthday,’ and he said, ‘Cheers, John’. I sent him a private message. I think he was gutted it was me and not Henrik.”
Stephen then revealed: “John was one of his heroes. (But), he ended up getting one from Henrik. Paul (younger brother) sorted it out. He was delighted with both.”
Get the Latest Scores! Check out today’s football headlines and updates to stay informed.
Check Updates
