Lucas Leiva is paying little attention to speculation regarding his future as he is happy at Liverpool.
Brazilian midfielder out to impress new boss
Lucas Leiva is paying little attention to speculation regarding his future as he is happy at Liverpool.
The Brazilian midfielder has been linked with a move to Italy over recent weeks, with his standing at Anfield having been cast into doubt.
The much-derided 23-year-old was a firm favourite of former Reds boss Rafa Benitez, but the Spaniard's exit has led to reports that Lucas could be moved on.
He hopes that will not be the case, believing he finally brought consistency to his game last season, and is determined to prove his worth to new manager Roy Hodgson over the coming weeks.
"I'm happy in Liverpool and looking forward to my fourth season," said Lucas, who is reported to have attracted interest from Palermo.
Critics
"I hope I stay. I'm happy to play for Liverpool and to improve my performances, as I did last season.
"I'm not here to try to prove critics wrong. I'm here to prove myself to the manager and my team-mates.
"That's the most important thing. I don't know why people criticise me so much but I just try to be positive and be strong.
"I know I had a good season last season and hope it will be even better this season.
"I have to keep going and show the manager that I can play and have the quality that he expects."
Motivation
Lucas is one of only a handful of senior players currently away with Liverpool at their pre-season training camp in Switzerland.
While numbers are thin on the ground, with the majority of the squad having been involved at the World Cup, those in the fold have been given an early opportunity to acquaint themselves with Hodgson's methods.
"He seems to be very good as a coach, good with the tactical side of the game," said Lucas.
"He will help everyone but for me he has a lot of experience, he has worked with big players at big clubs so his experience will help in giving me advice to help improve my game.
"I am confident we will have a better season. When there are lots of changes new motivation comes through and I think we can do better. We will do better."
Experience
Meanwhile, Hodgson has confirmed that experienced coach Sammy Lee is set to remain at Anfield in some capacity.
Lee's role is yet to be determined, having been assistant manager to former boss Benitez, but he has been assured that he still has an important role to play in the backroom team.
"Sammy will stay here for the foreseeable future, absolutely - as long as he wants to be here," Hodgson told the
Liverpool Echo.
"I have no intention of letting him go and if he wants to stay with us, he is more than welcome.
"I haven't made decisions on any [other positions] yet."
