Midfielder Lucas Leiva insists he wants to remain
at Liverpool despite speculation linking him with a summer move to
Italy.
The much-derided 23-year-old was one of the more consistent
performers last season but, as he is seen as being a favourite of
former Reds manager Rafael Benitez, doubts have been raised about
the Brazilian's future.
However, he is determined to prove to new boss Roy Hogdson he is
worth a place in the squad despite being linked with Palermo.
"I'm happy in Liverpool and looking forward to my fourth
season," he said.
"I hope I stay. I'm happy to play for Liverpool and to improve
my performances, as I did last season.
"I'm not here to try to prove critics wrong. I'm here to prove
myself to the manager and my team-mates.
"That's the most important thing. I don't know why people
criticise me so much but I just try to be positive and be
strong.
"I know I had a good season last season and hope it will be even
better this season.
"I have to keep going and show the manager that I can play and
have the quality that he expects."
Lucas is one of the few senior players currently at the club's
training camp in Switzerland so has been one of the first to
experience Hodgson's methods.
"He seems to be very good as a coach, good with the tactical
side of the game," he added.
"He will help everyone but for me he has a lot of experience, he
has worked with big players at big clubs so his experience will
help in giving me advice to help improve my game.
"I am confident we will have a better season. When there are
lots of changes new motivation comes through and I think we can do
better. We will do better."
Meanwhile, Hodgson has confirmed Sammy Lee will remain at the
club, although his exact role has yet to be decided.
Former Reds midfielder Lee was Benitez's assistant manager and
has been told he still has a job among the backroom
staff.
"Sammy will stay here for the foreseeable future, absolutely -
as long as he wants to be here,'' Hodgson told the Liverpool
Echo.
"I have no intention of letting him go and if he wants to stay
with us, he is more than welcome.
"I haven't made decisions on any [other positions] yet.''
