Wataru Endo Reflects on Bournemouth Heartbreak and Liverpool’s Late Collapse

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has admitted his deep frustration following the Reds’ dramatic late defeat to Bournemouth, as Arne Slot’s side suffered another damaging setback in their Premier League campaign.

The Japan international was thrust into action earlier than expected after Joe Gomez was forced off injured in the first half, with Liverpool already trailing and struggling for control. Despite a spirited second-half response and two goals to restore parity, the Reds were undone in stoppage time, leaving Endo reflecting on what he described as a “bitterly disappointing” afternoon.

Speaking to club media after the match, as reported by Liverpoolfc.com, Endo offered a candid assessment of both the performance and the emotional toll of conceding so late.

Endo Addresses Late Defeat on South Coast

Liverpool appeared to have rescued a valuable point after fighting back from two goals down, with Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai finding the net to level proceedings. However, Amine Adli’s close-range strike in the fifth minute of added time handed Bournemouth a dramatic victory.

Endo did not hide his disappointment at the manner of the defeat.

“Of course the result we are disappointed about,” he said. “I think the second half was good. After 2-0 down, we came back into the game and we scored two.

“I think in the last 10 minutes both deserved to score because we both had a chance to score. In the last moment, they scored unfortunately.”

For Liverpool, the result highlighted familiar issues this season: fragile defensive moments, lapses in concentration, and an inability to manage key phases late in matches. Despite controlling large parts of the second half, Slot’s side failed to close out the contest.

“The way we came back was great and we showed ourselves,” Endo added. “I’m just disappointed about the result.”

Return to Action After Injury Layoff

The match also marked Endo’s first appearance since early December, following a spell on the sidelines that limited his involvement during a crucial part of the campaign.

His return came under challenging circumstances. Joe Gomez’s injury, sustained in a collision with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, forced a reshuffle in Liverpool’s back line. Endo was introduced immediately after Bournemouth’s second goal and was asked to operate in central defence.

Reflecting on the situation, he said: “I think it was a really difficult moment for me because Joe got injured and they scored the second one.

“We had to go more offensive.”

Thrown into an unfamiliar role during a high-pressure period, Endo was tasked with helping stabilise a defence that had already conceded twice. Despite the adversity, he showed composure and positional awareness, helping Liverpool push forward in search of an equaliser.

“I think in a few moments I did good,” he added. “Until we scored two, my performance, the team performance was OK.”

Tactical Challenges for Liverpool Under Slot

Liverpool’s performance at Bournemouth once again raised questions about game management under Arne Slot, particularly in away fixtures against energetic opponents.

After falling behind early, the Reds were forced into a reactive approach. While their attacking response was impressive, especially through set-pieces and sustained pressure, defensive vulnerabilities remained evident.

Endo’s introduction brought additional leadership and discipline, but Liverpool continued to struggle in transitional moments. Bournemouth’s willingness to commit bodies forward in the closing stages exposed gaps that proved decisive.

Assessing the frantic nature of the finale, Endo explained: “I think that’s a game. They play at home, so they also want to score. We, of course, wanted to win this game away, we wanted to score in the end.”

This open, end-to-end finish ultimately favoured the hosts, who capitalised on Liverpool’s failure to control possession and territory in stoppage time.

Endo’s Role in Liverpool’s Season Run-In

Despite the disappointment, Endo’s return offers Liverpool a timely boost as they approach a decisive period in their campaign. His versatility, experience, and tactical intelligence remain valuable assets for Slot, particularly amid ongoing injury concerns.

The midfielder made clear that personal satisfaction was secondary to team success.

“I wanted to win the game,” he said. “Until we scored two, my performance, the team performance was OK.”

With crucial league fixtures approaching, Endo is expected to feature more prominently, either in midfield or as emergency cover in defence. His calm presence and work rate could prove vital as Liverpool seek consistency and stability in the final months of the season.

The Bournemouth defeat, however, underlined the fine margins currently separating Liverpool from positive results. While the comeback demonstrated resilience, the late concession reinforced the need for sharper concentration and better game management.

For Endo, the focus now turns to recovery and response. His message was clear: performance levels must remain high, but results must follow.

As Liverpool attempt to rebuild momentum, voices like Endo’s—measured, honest, and accountable—reflect the mood within the squad: determination to improve, coupled with frustration at opportunities slipping away.