Liverpool need to be consistent: Leiva

Liverpool's Brazilian star Lucas Leiva believes the team can turn a new leaf around Christmas. Today's newcastle clash could be the start

Liverpool's Brazilian star Lucas Leiva believes the team can turn a new leaf around Christmas. Today's newcastle clash could be the start

Liverpool's comeback man Brazilian Lucas Leiva said yesterday that Liverpool must improve on their consistency in the Premier League in order to be in Europe next season.


Lucas Leiva pic/Getty images

Liverpool's No 21 has stated his ambition to compete in the Champions League once more next season, but admits that Merseysider's form away from home leaves a lot to be desired The Brazilian believes Liverpool can turn a leaf leading into the busy Christmas period -- starting with a victory in Saturday's match at St James' Park against Newcastle.

Lucas told the official club website: "We didn't start well. We were in the bottom three for four or five games but I think in the past few games we have played better.

"Even at Spurs we deserved more. We had chances to win the game."Hopefully we can keep the same level in the next few games and we can close the gap at the top. We have to produce the same type of performance as we do at Anfield. That is difficult because when you play away, the home team attack more. But I think we can do this and if we pass it as well as we can, we will create chances and improve our away record."

He added: "It's difficult to say where we will be at the end of the season. The ambition is to be in the top four and play in the Champions League next year. That is our first target. To get in the top four you have to play consistently as a team. If we can keep the level of the last few games then I think it will be great."

Newcastle recently appointed Alan Pardew as their new manager, and Lucas understands that the Magpies will be keen to impress their new boss on Saturday.

"The motivation will be high because the players will want to show the manager what they can do," he said.
"Newcastle aren't in a bad position. They drew with Chelsea and beat Arsenal and that shows they are good and have quality players. We have to be really aware of their strengths and weaknesses."