Japan Coach Takes Responsibility for Dropping Liverpool Midfielder

Just two days after captain Wataru Endo was ruled out of the World Cup squad due to an ankle injury, head coach Hajime Moriyasu stated he took full responsibility for the decision. Subsequently, the experienced midfielder announced his complete retirement from the national team.

Speaking to North American media through an interpreter, Moriyasu emphasized that the ultimate responsibility was his. “As head coach, I was the one who made the final decision,” the Japanese coach declared. The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder had been battling an ankle injury that required surgery in February. He had hoped to be fit for the 2026 World Cup but experienced discomfort, playing only the first half of a friendly against Iceland on May 31st.

“I was receiving reports from the medical staff. During the match against Iceland, he couldn't stay on the field for an extended period. We discussed that it might be difficult for him to perform well for entire matches during the World Cup, and that’s why I made the final decision. I felt truly bad having to tell him such news. Of course, it’s impossible to know exactly how he felt or what his thoughts were, but he was very understanding and respectful, so we were able to maintain our good conversation in a calm manner,” Moriyasu explained.