Lucas: We showed how much we want Wembley trip
Lucas Leiva believes Liverpool's performance in last night's 1-0 Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg win over Stoke City showed just how much he and his teammates want to reach Wembley.
Jürgen Klopp's men defended resolutely to preserve a 1-0 advantage given to them by Jordon Ibe's cool first-half finish, and now head into the second leg at Anfield knowing that a draw would be enough to see them into the final.
But Lucas insists the job is far from complete for the Reds, who fell at this stage of the competition last season.
“We got close last year in this cup and we want to win medals,” the Brazilian told Liverpoolfc.com
“Probably at the beginning of the tournament nobody talks about it, but from the first game in our minds we wanted to make the final and that's the way we have been playing. We're showing that we want to be there.
“Of course, there's still 90 minutes to go but we scored an away goal, which is a little bit of an advantage for us playing at home, but nothing is finished.”
Following an injury to Dejan Lovren in the 34th minute, Lucas slotted seamlessly into the heart of the defence to play a key role in the visitors keeping a clean sheet.
The No.21 praised his defensive partner Kolo Toure for helping him through the game in an unfamiliar position.
He added: “I've played a few games this season at centre-half and of course I'm a midfield player, but if the manager needs me then I'm going to deliver and today I think I could help.
“Kolo is an experienced player which he helped me. Talking and positioning is sometimes the most important thing as a centre-back but I have experienced enough to understand the position.
“For sure Kolo was a big help. He's got so many games and today was a positive all round I think, especially with the problems we had at the beginning of the game.
“I think it could have cost us but it didn't and we just now have to go into the second leg with the same approach.”
The makeshift defender also hailed compatriot Roberto Firmino for his performance in leading Liverpool’s frontline from the 'false nine' position.
“Of course he'd like to be scoring more goals but he was brilliant today,” the 28-year-old said.
“I think he was one of the main reasons that our pressing was from the beginning because he gives that aggression and holds the ball very well.
“He wants to score but for sure he's going to be a top player for the club for many years.”
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