Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is still awaiting confirmation of his permanent appointment at Anfield, but midfielder Lucas Leiva is confident it will only be "a matter of time".
The Scot has overseen such a remarkable turnaround in fortunes in such a short period there can be little argument against the man rated the club's greatest player being given the job on a long-term basis.
"The way he came to the club and the way he changed a lot, it is just a matter of time (before) he will agree his new deal," said Lucas
"As players we just have to hope he will be here next year with us. We will try to win the next five games, if we do that we will be helping him as well.
"Kenny and Steve Clarke (the former Chelsea assistant who arrived as coach just after Dalglish) have done really well. They have changed the principles of the training sessions with Sammy Lee, who has been here a few years already."
"The way they have changed things, giving all the team confidence, is really important. Kenny is the key to keeping everyone together and keep the confidence of everyone."
Clarke's influence should not be underestimated, but it appears changes elsewhere have had as much to do with the upturn in results as the work being done on the pitches at Melwood.
Roy Hodgson's ill-fated six-month spell in charge was among the worst fans can remember, with poor performances and an atmosphere of unrest and among the squad. Fenway Sports Group's purchase of the club in October ended the dysfunctional tenure of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and the renewed hope it brought briefly impacted on results.
But the downward spiral soon returned and it was not until, after nine defeats in 20 Barclays Premier League matches, Hodgson was replaced by Dalglish, that the transformation began. Lucas feels it was not necessarily the tactical approach but a personal one which prompted the turnaround.
"One of the things I really like about Kenny is he treats everyone the same," he said. "It doesn't matter if you are young or a senior player, everyone has the same importance in the club and it gives everyone a big lift. We are together, more united. It is difficult to explain, but I feel the dressing room is much better now than it was before."
Source: PA
