Wataru Endo insists Liverpool are 'more stable' under Arne Slot compared to Jurgen Klopp and is happy to continue playing as a centre-back if it means more minutes under the Dutchman.
Asked about the adjustment under Slot, Endo said: 'I wouldn't say there is much difference – we want to keep the pressure high. I think the new manager is more stable, so he wants the players to stay in their positions as he wants and that is different. But I'm really enjoying the way he's playing at the moment and I think everyone is enjoying 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 just 58 minutes in the Premier League and Champions League this season, he can play his part in the national cups.
“I don't get frustrated or anything. I always try to be ready to help the team. Of course I want to play every match, but we need everyone in the squad. All I can do is prepare for every match, Endo said.
“I think we played well (against Accrington). The players who are not playing consistently have played very well, so that is the most important thing for the team to achieve something. We need everyone, so we have to prepare for every game that is coming.”
Endo started at centre-half, just as he did against Southampton in the EFL Cup last month, and the 31-year-old revealed he doesn't mind playing at the back.
'I played as a defender when I was 18 to 25 years old, so it doesn't matter to me whether I play centre-back or number six. “I just do what I can do,” he said. 'I don't discuss my position with the manager. Now Joe (Gomez) has an injury and Ibou (Konate) just came back, that's why I played. He also thinks that me as a defender is a good option to play out his tactics, so I hope I get a lot more minutes than before.'
And Endo praised 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who became the youngest ever Liverpool player to start a competitive match, insisting he has a 'big future' ahead of him.
“I think he played very well, especially in the first half,” he said. 'His dribbling is great. My son is 11 years old, so there's only a five year difference, so I can't believe I'm playing with him. I'm so happy he made his debut today. It's a special moment for him. He also said that this is just the beginning, so he has to keep working hard. He trains like that, so I'm not surprised he played like that today.”
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