Source: Team_Talk
Lucas: I want to stay at Liverpool
iverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva insists he wants to remain at Anfield despite speculation linking him with a summer move to Italy.[LNB] The much-derided 23-year-old was one of the more consistent performers last season but, as he is seen as being a favourite of former Reds manager Rafael Benitez, doubts have been raised about the Brazilian's future.[LNB]However, he is determined to prove to new boss Roy Hogdson he is worth a place in the squad despite being linked with Palermo.[LNB]"I'm happy in Liverpool and looking forward to my fourth season," he said.[LNB]"I hope I stay. I'm happy to play for Liverpool and to improve my performances, as I did last season.[LNB]"I'm not here to try to prove critics wrong. I'm here to prove myself to the manager and my team-mates.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"I know I had a good season last season and hope it will be even better this season.[LNB]"I have to keep going and show the manager that I can play and have the quality that he expects."[LNB]Lucas is one of the few senior players currently at the club's training camp in Switzerland so has been one of the first to experience Hodgson's methods.[LNB]"He seems to be very good as a coach, good with the tactical side of the game," he added.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Meanwhile, Hodgson has confirmed Sammy Lee will remain at the club, although his exact role has yet to be decided.[LNB]Former Reds midfielder Lee was Benitez's assistant manager and has been told he still has a job among the backroom staff.[LNB]"Sammy will stay here for the foreseeable future, absolutely - as long as he wants to be here,'' Hodgson told the Liverpool Echo.[LNB]"I have no intention of letting him go and if he wants to stay with us, he is more than welcome.[LNB]"I haven't made decisions on any [other positions] yet.''
