Manager Tells Midfielder #Liverpool Comes First - #Brendan #Rodgers has bluntly told #Lucas #Leiva that Liverpools title dream has to come before his World Cup hopes. The midfielder is desperate to get back into the Reds starting line up to press his claims for a once in a lifetime chance to represent the Samba stars at a World Cup on their home soil. But the brilliance of Steven Gerrard in the Anfield holding role has meant Lucas being consigned to the bench since his return from a serious knee injury. And while his manager is sympathetic to the midfielders situation and would dearly love the Brazilian to taste such an historic occasion in Rio this summer, he admitted he cant let sentiment get in the way of Liverpools title quest. I respect all the players and their needs but I want whats best for Liverpool and can only think of Liverpool, the Reds boss explained. I know its been hard for Lucas because since he got his injury the team has done really well in his absence. Steven in that role is a world-class operator. The difference now is that rather than playing with two defensive midfield players we are playing with one. There is more emphasis on the attacking element. Hopefully it wont hinge on that because I think hes already done enough to get in the squad for the World Cup. Rodgers has nothing but praise for Lucass attitude since his return, even though the Brazil international has played only a handful of minutes from the bench. And despite his obvious desire to play more matches to push his World Cup claims, the Anfield boss said the midfielder cant have been more professional. I have to pay homage to Lucas because hes been first class with his attitude and his work - hes been absolutely incredible. He has made it known to me that he just wants to help whenever hes called upon - whether its for one minute or 90 minutes he will be ready.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Apr 2014 17:56:45 +0000
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