Wednesday 20 April 2016 07:44, UK
Lucas Leiva says Liverpool have nothing to fear against Everton ahead of their Merseyside derby on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports.
Jurgen Klopp's side are unbeaten in five games and looking forward to a Europa League semi-final against Villarreal.
And the Reds midfielder, who replaced Steven Gerrard to make his Premier League debut in a 2-1 victory over Everton in 2007, admits it's always a special occasion when the rivals meet.
"At the beginning of every season, you look at the fixtures and you see when you play the derbies," Lucas told Sky Sports News HQ. "It is another special one for us at home.
"We're in good shape, the squad is feeling very confident so there is no reason to be afraid. It will be good to win because we know how much it means to the fans and for us, to get another three points and keep climbing the table in the Premier League.
"You can't be too emotional because it could have an effect on the pitch. You just have to be calm and approach it like a normal game, even knowing that it's not, it's more special than that."
Klopp is set to manage in his first Merseyside derby on Wednesday, but Lucas believes the German's positive attitude has already had an impact in key matches.
"He has had so many good experiences this season in big games," Lucas said.
"We had three games against Man United under him, and now Everton. He is an experienced manager, and has played so many big games and derbies. We are finding a consistency now that we were lacking last year and the beginning of this season as well, even after he arrived.
"We struggled to win games in a row, and we are now starting to do that. Defeats will always happen but we have a very relaxed place, and one where he shows he's believing in every single one of us. The proof is when he makes changes, the team still performs.
"We are on the right way to achieving good things."
Klopp insists he will look beyond the Bundesliga, where he managed Borussia Dortmund for seven years, when it comes to transfers this summer.
The Liverpool manager is expected to be active, and Lucas admits the players face an anxious wait to find out whether they feature in his long-term plans.
"Everyone wants to finish the season on a high, and in the future we never know," he continued. "The manager will make his decision and we will have to wait to see who is in his plans.
"In football, things can change very quickly, good and bad, and you just have to live in the moment and do your best. The rest will take care of itself."
Relegation-threatened Newcastle are the next team to visit Anfield after Everton, which brings the return of former Reds boss Rafael Benitez.
The Spaniard won an FA Cup and Champions League when in charge of Liverpool, and Lucas predicts he will receive a warm welcome.
"I have no doubt he will get a very good reception. He was very successful here and the fans appreciate what he did for the club," Lucas added.
"For me, it will be very special to meet him again because he was the manager who brought me here and who helped me a lot, especially in my first two seasons. So I will always be grateful."
