Lucas: More pressure at Liverpool than Brazil

Lucas Leiva believes the pressure is greater playing for Liverpool than Brazil because of the current predicament of the Anfield club.

• Lucas: England can win World Cup

The Reds midfielder is preparing for his country's prestigious friendly against England in Doha on Saturday. But thoughts of the situation on Merseyside are also on his mind with Liverpool facing Champions League elimination and currently seventh in the Barclays Premier League.

Lucas said: "How do I find the pressure of playing for Brazil and Liverpool? To be honest, the pressure now at Liverpool is worse.

"With Brazil, we are qualified for the World Cup. We always have pressure when playing, especially when it is against England, a big team. But in Liverpool now it is greater because we are in a difficult situation. We have to qualify now for the Champions League and also in the Premier League, we have to be in the top four.

"I know the pressure at Liverpool is difficult but now we have to think about the games for the national team and, when we go back, to try and change the situation. Even now when I am here, I don't feel well for Liverpool and no-one feels well.

"Of course, the results are not the best but I think if we keep the same mentality it will be okay. It is the time for Liverpool to keep together. I think Liverpool are playing well. Maybe we need something more but I hope we turn the bad situation around. Even against Lyon and Birmingham, I think we played well.

"We conceded some goals, maybe from our mistakes, and we have to keep working and hopefully the national break will come at a good time for us. Some players are injured so hopefully they will be fit for the next game.''