Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu apologises after deciding not to include Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo in Japan’s World Cup plans. Multiple reports describe Moriyasu making the call after Endo is ruled out due to a foot injury, leaving the captain’s tournament hopes ended before the competition begins. Moriyasu is quoted describing Endo as “hurt” and acknowledging the decision as difficult for both the coach and the player. The apologies are framed as a personal responsibility for the decision, with Moriyasu saying it was his call to exclude the 33-year-old from involvement. Both sources agree that the timing—on the eve of the tournament—and the impact on Endo’s role as captain form the central issue of the coach’s reaction. The reports also note Moriyasu’s stated ambition to lead Japan to World Cup success in North America.