Lucas: Reds require winning run

Published Dec. 22, 2009 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits the Reds will have to win 'almost every game' if they are to achieve Champions League qualification.

The struggling Reds trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by eight points in the Premier League table and will be looking to make it back-to-back home victories when they face Wolves on Boxing Day.

Fans of the club have been short on Christmas cheer after last weekend's 2-0 defeat at bottom club Portsmouth and Lucas is expecting no favours from Mick McCarthy's side.

He told the club's official website: "It would be good and really important to finish the year (at Anfield) with a victory.

"I think we need to win almost every game now, so our target is to take each game as it comes and end the year well. Then, if we can also start the New Year with a win it will be important.

"But Wolves have quality. We have to respect them and try to show our own quality and play well for the fans.

"All games are tough in the Premier League, so we have to prepare well, work hard and have confidence. We have quality and if we can play well we can beat anyone."

The Brazilian admits it will be strange turning up for training on Christmas Day morning but is prepared to do all he can to make sure he is fully prepared ahead of the clash.

He said: "We will train in the morning on Christmas Day. It's strange because in Brazil the season finishes in November, so you are on holiday for Christmas, while in Spain and Italy they have a break.

"Here it is different, but you have to prepare for the games. Hopefully we can do well and get as many points as possible.

"For the fans, Boxing Day games are really good. I think it is good for them to be able to take their family to a match and enjoy it, so I hope we can give them a victory."