Japan coach apologises after ending Liverpool’s Endo’s World Cup hopes

Japan's World Cup campaign has been dealt a blow with the decision to exclude captain Wataru Endo due to injury, a move that has ended the Liverpool midfielder's international career just before the tournament begins.

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I ultimately looked at whether he can perform or not, and remain in the team or not. I was the one that made the final decision.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed his regret and apologized to Endo, who announced his retirement from international football on Thursday. Moriyasu stated that the final decision rested with him after assessing Endo's fitness following a foot injury. "When I communicated the message to Wataru… I felt really bad to tell him such a message," Moriyasu told reporters, appearing emotional.

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When I communicated the message to Wataru… I felt really bad to tell him such a message.

Endo, who made his debut in 2015 and earned 73 caps for Japan, scoring four goals, was understanding despite his disappointment. "Of course he was hurt," Moriyasu acknowledged, extending his apologies not only to Endo but also to his family, loved ones, and supporters. The coach emphasized that the decision, though tough, was made for the benefit of the team and the country.

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Of course he was hurt. The family members and all the people that he loves, and even the supporters or other people who were supporting him… they were hurt as well.

Moriyasu acknowledged that Japan, tipped as a potential dark horse in the competition, must be resilient in the face of unexpected challenges. The absence of both Endo and the injured Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma requires the squad to adapt. "When the unexpected happens we have to make sure we are not upset or shocked too much," the coach said, urging his team to push their limits.

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I really would like to apologise sincerely to them personally.