Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva says although the club look to have lost out on European qualification this season, they can still restore local bragging rights by finishing ahead of Everton.
This weekend’s Merseyside derby at Anfield sees Liverpool enter the game five points behind their neighbours – a win would put them 2 points behind with 2 games remaining. Bragging rights are at stake.
“We still have a chance of catching Everton and that’s our target,” Lucas told Sky Sports. “We know we have to win if we want to finish a position higher than we are now.
“Merseyside derbies are always special to play in. The atmosphere will be amazing at Anfield and it’s the kind of game you really look forward to playing in.”
Liverpool warmed up for the derby with a very comfortable 6-0 thumping of Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday, their first game without the suspended Luis Suarez.
Lucas explained, “We approached the game in the right way and played with a lot of confidence and intensity. After going 4-0 up in the second half, we just controlled the game. I remember when we beat Newcastle 5-1 at St James’ Park a few years ago and this was even better.
“But even though we won 6-0 there are still areas that we can improve upon. We need to keep working and keep believing.”
The Reds have already overtaken last season’s final points total by two points, with all signs pointing to progress under Brendan Rodgers in the Northern Irishman’s first season at Anfield.
Lucas continued, “We will go into the derby with a lot of confidence. Hopefully we can get another win and try to finish the season on a bit of a high.
“It’s been a difficult season for us but we have to keep going. We still have three games remaining and the chance to get nine more points. The manner of our victory against Newcastle showed the character of everyone.”
Liverpool v Everton is Sunday at 1:30pm.
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