Wataru Endo says Joel Matip was 'amazing' despite late own goal against Tottenham

Wataru Endo feels Joel Matip can leave with his head held high despite his late own goal against Tottenham Hotspur as Liverpool succumbed to a 2-1 defeat in north London. 

The Cameroonian inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the sixth minute of stoppage time as he tried to clear a teasing cross from Pedro Porro. Endo, who came on as a second-half substitute after the Reds were down to nine men following Diogo Jota's red card, refused to blame Matip for the result, adding that the experienced defender actually played an 'amazing game'.

He said (quotes via Liverpool's official website): “Actually, he played an amazing game today so no one can say something to him. I am so proud of what he did today and I am so proud of what my team-mates did today.

“At the end, a very tough game but there were 50-50 decisions in the game and yeah, it’s very difficult to play with nine players. But I wanted to get one point so I am very disappointed about it. I am just so proud of this team. I am just disappointed.

“We have to learn from this result and of course, we showed our spirit, even though we faced difficult decisions we fought until the end. That’s Liverpool and we always have to try to win the game. We can learn from this game but we just keep going.”

With Curtis Jones facing a three-match ban following his straight card against Tottenham, Endo could be in line for a start when the Reds travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League next weekend. The Japanese midfielder is also expected to feature in the UEFA Europa League in midweek as Jurgen Klopp's side prepare to welcome Belgian Pro League side Union Saint-Gilloise at Anfield.