Lucas aiming for reds turnaround

Lucas Leiva is currently preparing with the Brazil national squad ahead of their friendly clash with England at the weekend and has spoken about the reds poor run of form.

Lucas himself has emerged out of the Anfield misery with a fair amount of credit after himself and Mascherano have began to forge an exceptionally strong strangle-hold on the centre of midfield.

But he admits that everyone at Liverpool is feeling the pressure to turn the season around, and to do it quickly.

“How do I find the pressure of playing for Brazil and Liverpool? To be honest, the pressure now at Liverpool is worse.

“With Brazil, we are qualified for the World Cup. We always have pressure when playing, especially when it is against England, a big team. But in Liverpool now it is greater because we are in a difficult situation. We have to qualify now for the Champions League and also in the Premier League, we have to be in the top four.

Even though away on international duty, Lucas makes clear that he still has his mind on his club.

“I know the pressure at Liverpool is difficult but now we have to think about the games for the national team and, when we go back, to try and change the situation. Even now when I am here, I don’t feel well for Liverpool and no-one feels well.

“Of course, the results are not the best but I think if we keep the same mentality it will be okay. It is the time for Liverpool to keep together. I think Liverpool are playing well. Maybe we need something more but I hope we turn the bad situation around. Even against Lyon and Birmingham, I think we played well.

“We conceded some goals, maybe from our mistakes, and we have to keep working and hopefully the national break will come at a good time for us. Some players are injured so hopefully they will be fit for the next game.”