Lucas feels the heat

Lucas: In action for Brazil

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Lucas Leiva admits to feeling more pressure playing for Liverpool than he does for Brazil, primarily due to the Anfield club's poor run of results this season.

The midfielder is currently in Doha preparing for Sunday's glamour friendly with England and the international break has provided him with respite from domestic duties.

But thoughts of the situation on Merseyside are also on his mind with Liverpool facing UEFA Champions League elimination and currently seventh in the Premier League.

Lucas said: "How do I find the pressure of playing for Brazil and Liverpool? To be honest, the pressure now at Liverpool is worse.

"With Brazil, we are qualified for the World Cup. We always have pressure when playing, especially when it is against England, a big team.

"But in Liverpool now it is greater because we are in a difficult situation.

"We have to qualify now for the Champions League and also in the Premier League, we have to be in the top four.

"I know the pressure at Liverpool is difficult but now we have to think about the games for the national team and, when we go back, to try and change the situation.

Unease

"Even now when I am here, I don't feel well for Liverpool and no-one feels well.

"Of course, the results are not the best but I think if we keep the same mentality it will be okay. It is the time for Liverpool to keep together."

Lucas, who in one national newspaper on Friday was linked with a move from Anfield in January, insists Liverpool are playing well enough to achieve better results.

"I think Liverpool are playing well. Maybe we need something more but I hope we turn the bad situation around. Even against Lyon and Birmingham, I think we played well," he said.

"We conceded some goals, maybe from our mistakes, and we have to keep working and hopefully the national break will come at a good time for us.

"Some players are injured so hopefully they will be fit for the next game."