Lucas Leiva has vowed to have the last laugh as he faces close friend and rival Hulk as Liverpool prepare for their Europa League second leg clash against Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday.
The Russians lead 2-o on aggregrate and an away goal at Anfield would mean the Reds need to score at least four goals on the evening.
But Lucas believes the power of the Kop at the famous stadium can give them a boost as they go looking for the win.
“We are close, especially as we had the chance to play a few times in the national team,” the 26-year-old told reporters at Anfield on Wednesday.
“He scored a good goal against us. They are taking the competition very seriously. Hulk is an important player for them, but he didn’t give me any news because, of course, he wants to win the game the same as me.
“Tomorrow we’ll have a friendly chat after the game and hopefully I’ll be happier than him.
“It is a competition that we always wanted to do well in. We know about the special European nights at Anfield that the crowd give us.
“It will be an important game for us going forward this season; we really believe that we can get through to the next stage. Hopefully tomorrow the crowd will give us a special night, we will play well and get through.
“We need to score goals but also to play with a defensive mentality because to concede a goal makes it even harder for us. We need to try to find a balance tomorrow. I’m sure the approach will be good and hopefully it will be another good night to remember.”
Source: Liverpool FC
