Klopp made a joke about wanting Mohamed Salah and Endo to lose in the group stages of the AFCON and Asian Cup.
The dates of both international competitions are February.
Endo replied before participating in Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Vietnam for Japan.
Wataru Endo says he has no intention of leaving the Asian Cup early after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he wanted the Japan international and Africa Cup of Nations departee Mohamed Salah to be ousted from their international tournaments at the group stage.
Endo, a surprise summer arrival from Stuttgart, became a regular part in the Reds’ starting XI after Alexis Mac Allister was sidelined by injury but left Merseyside after the 4-2 win against Newcastle United on New Year’s Day to join up with the Japan group.
The AFCON concludes one day after the Asian Cup, which goes until February 10.
Following the win over the Magpies, Salah also departed, which allowed Klopp to make light of the fact that he wanted both players to go out of the game sooner than anticipated during a news conference.
The German manager disclosed earlier this month: “It would be a lie if I said I wished you well!
“Obviously, that’s not what I did. Personally, I would be pleased if they advanced past the group stage, but I doubt that will happen. Afterward, they are free to compete and win.
“That’s about it—good luck, see you, and return healthy. We shall deal with it now that we have to.
“It’s only natural to think that [the recent games] appear a little odd [without them].” We need to prove that on the field, but I’m quite sure we can work things out.
With an assist and a winning start to their Asian Cup campaign against Vietnam on Sunday, Endo and Japan made a winning start. Prior to the match, Klopp had wished Endo luck.
“The coach meant that as a joke, of course, but I do feel very honored that he feels I need to be back at Liverpool,” the man stated. Now that I’m here and leading the team, my only concern is returning the trophy to Liverpool.”
Before departing for international service, 30-year-old Endo assisted the Reds in winning the Premier League title and scored his first goal of the season in the thrilling 4-3 victory over Fulham in early December. He had made his debut.
Japan’s next match is on Friday against Iraq; later on Sunday, Salah and Egypt play Mozambique to begin their AFCON campaign.
