Lucas looks ahead to Zenit clash

Lucas Leiva believes the morale-boosting demolition of Swansea was the ideal preparation for Liverpool's upcoming Europa League tie.

Last Updated: 18/02/13 at 16:33 Post Comment   

Lucas: Preparing to face Zenit again

Lucas: Preparing to face Zenit again

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' former side were a shadow of themselves - distracted by Sunday's Capital One Cup final at Wembley - as they were dispatched 5-0 at Anfield.

The home side need goals on Thursday to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Zenit St Petersburg in order to reach the last 16 in Europe.

And having suffered back-to-back defeats, including a home loss to West Brom last Monday, Lucas thinks the goal rush provided the perfect antidote to a disappointing few days.

"We started the week thinking it could be a really good week for us," said the Brazil midfielder.

"But we had the defeat to West Brom and then the Europa League loss but we have finished the week off in a positive way by scoring five goals and keeping a clean sheet.

"We know we still have to improve a lot but this victory will give us confidence going into Thursday to try to get through against Zenit.

"With the way we played over there, we created a lot of chances, if we do that again and take them then we'll have a great chance of getting through to the next stage.

"But we also have to defend well on Thursday because if we concede an away goal it will be very difficult for us.

"We have to make sure we go with a positive and offensive mentality but knowing that if we concede it's going to be very hard."

Captain Steven Gerrard's 34th-minute penalty provided the crucial breakthrough, succeeding from the same spot from which he had failed against West Brom.

Lucas felt they had learned from the chastening Baggies experience, when they dominated but conceded twice in the last nine minutes.

"Unfortunately we couldn't score early but we kept going then towards the end of the first half we got the penalty.

"The second half we started really brightly and getting the second goal so quickly (after just 16 seconds) was very important and after that we just needed to make sure we controlled the game.

"We created a lot of chances and scored three more goals."

Inconsistency has dogged Liverpool for well over a year, preceding the reign of Rodgers who left Swansea to take over from Kenny Dalglish in the summer.

"It's difficult to explain. As players you get frustrated a lot of times as well," added Lucas.

"When you think we are starting to get some good momentum we have a defeat and a setback.

"But there is still time to get that consistency. Our league position is not great (seventh, nine points off the top four having played one match more) but we must keep fighting and see what happens.

"If we can get that consistency, then we can finish this season on a high."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

Footer 365

Alan Pardew confident he will still be Newcastle manager next season

Alan Pardew is 'pretty confident' he will stay as Newcastle manager after ending the season with a defeat by Arsenal.

Michael Owen had mixed emotions after his final appearance for Stoke

Retiring Stoke striker Michael Owen admitted he had mixed emotions after his final appearance for the club.

Premier League: Paul Lambert says 'something is happening' at Aston Villa

Paul Lambert refused to answer questions about the future of Darren Bent following Aston Villa's 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved