Melbourne City’s Tsubasa Endoh believes he is ready to feature more prominently for his new side, especially ahead of their upcoming AFC Champions League campaign. buy lexapro online buy lexapro online no prescription
Endoh joined City on a six-month contract at the start of February.
Since that time, Endoh’s opportunities on the pitch have been limited.
The Japanese attacking midfielder has featured twice off the bench for the reigning A-League Men champions, with both appearances occurring in the last 10 minutes of games.
Whilst he admitted that his start to life at City has been slower than he would have liked, Endoh also recognised that part of the reason is the challenge of returning to full fitness following hamstring surgery last September.
“When I arrived here, I tried to settle in as quickly as possible so that I could get in the mix [for more game time]”, Endoh said.
“At the same time though, I was coming off an injury so there was a plan I had to follow.
“It has taken a bit longer than expected, but I am happy that the club has managed my injury really well.”
Endoh sustained a grade-three hamstring tear last season during his time with Toronto FC.
Following consultation with clubs in the English Premier League as well as his own club’s medical staff, the 28-year-old opted to undergo surgery.
Endoh conceded that the three-month layoff at the end of 2021 has slowed his start to life in Australia.
However, Endoh believes his injury troubles are firmly behind him.
“Now I have no problem whatsoever,” Endoh said.
When pressed on whether he would consider himself fully fit, Endoh acknowledged that he needs to play more games to regain the match-fitness that comes from the intensity of competitive football.
“Doing high-intensity training with the team everyday definitely helps me get where I want to be in terms of fitness levels,” Endoh said.
“But at the same time, you can train as hard as you want but you have to play games and start games to reach those match-fitness levels.”
The former top-10 MLS draft pick has clearly internalised head coach Patrick Kisnorbo’s mantras of hard work and patience.
“All I can do is train hard and try my best to learn the system the team plays,” Endoh said.
“When the opportunity comes, I have to make sure I take it.
“If that opportunity does come depends on the head coach.”
The Tokyo-born attacker is clearly willing to be patient and recognises that he is new to a well-established team and system.
Endoh is determined to give Kisnorbo a selection headache, especially considering the congested nature of City’s fixtures to finish the season.
For now, though, Endoh is keeping any frustration he might be feeling under wraps.
“Every player wants to play every game. That is the mindset you must have,” he said.
“If not playing doesn’t cause you any frustration whatsoever, then you should not be a footballer.
“As I say though, I am a new player and I have to be patient. The time will come.”
To this point, Kisnorbo has resisted making significant changes to his preferred line-up in City’s A-League Men fixtures, including within games based on his lack of substitutions.
Endoh will be hoping to avoid a similar fate to fellow international signing Manuel Pucciarelli, who has received hardly any game time since signing for City at the start of the season.
Upon signing Endoh, City Director of Football Michael Petrillo highlighted the prospect of the Japanese player featuring in City’s upcoming AFC Champions League fixtures.
Endoh believes his experiences will be a valuable addition to the City squad, particularly when playing in Asia.
“I know I am going to be part of it [the champions league],” Endoh said.
“Just considering the environment being in Thailand: the weather, the humidity, even the quick turnarounds.
“I am sure that I can benefit both the club and myself.”
The developmental stages of Endoh’s career were spent in Japan.
Aged just 12, he left home to join the Japan Football Association Academy in Fukushima, where he remained until moving to the United States to pursue a college career at the University of Maryland.
During his time in North America, Endoh also gained valuable experience playing in a different Champions League competition.
“I have played in the CONCACAF Champions League,” Endoh said.
“Any Champions League is a competition where you need experience. I think I can bring a lot of that based on my time with Toronto FC.”
Whilst Endoh believes simply participating in the competition is a great opportunity, his ambition clearly does not end there.
“The fact that you can compete in a Club World Cup if you win it.
That is a bonus,” he said.
Endoh’s is clearly remaining optimistic about his time with City, even if he has struggled for game time up to this point.
His attitude about breaking into the first team as well as progressing past the group stage in the Champions League indicates a strong self-belief as well as confidence in his team.
Whilst Endoh is unclear as to where his future lies at the expiration of his six-month contract with City, there is no doubt he is planning to make an impact whilst he can.
Feature Image Credit: Melbourne City FC
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