Monday 1 May 2017 19:17, UK
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is targeting a perfect finish to the season to secure a top-four spot and Champions League football.
Jurgen Klopp's side travel to Watford on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1, as they aim to claim the first of four victories that would likely steer them back into Europe's elite competition.
Liverpool sit third in the table going into the game at Vicarage Road, level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City and one point ahead of Manchester United in fifth.
"All the teams have a chance and we know we have to win games to finish there," Lucas told Sky Sports. "That's the pressure we have at the moment but we have just have to do our best to win our next four games, and if we do that the chances are we'll finish in the top four. But you never know.
"We know how big the Champions League is, especially for this club. We had a very good year last year playing in European games and it's always important to help attract players, keep developing this squad and everything around us."
Lucas also reserved special praise for manager Klopp, who he believes has reinvigorated Liverpool since his arrival on Merseyside last season.
"There's something special [going on at the club] I'd say," said the Brazilian midfielder. "The group of players we have and the manager knows what it takes to win. We've seen how much we've improved in the last 18 months as a team and as a club. Everyone is a lot more positive because he arrived here and gave us that extra energy.
"My relationship with him is fantastic. He's a guy I've learned a lot from on the pitch and off. He also knows how I am when I'm not playing so much, but there are never any problems."
Lucas has been limited to just 27 appearances this season for Liverpool - with a vast number of those coming out of position at centre back - and he's been linked with a move away from the club in the last few transfer windows.
However, Lucas, who arrived at Anfield in 2007, insists he is happy to fight for his place for as long as the club want him to stay.
"Many times I was close or rumours were there, but at the end of the day it didn't happen and the good thing is that the respect was always there between me and the club. It will always be a good decision for both parties," he added.
"If you relax when you're not playing then I think something is wrong, that's just my personality. But I know he's the manager and he makes decisions for the team, it's not just about one player. So I have to keep working to get more chances.
"Now we just focus on the final four games and try to finish in the top four, which will be a good achievement for this year, then I'll sit down and talk [with the club] to see what is best."
