Lucas: Fast start was key to Potters win
Lucas Leiva has praised the mental strength shown by his teammates as they put a poor previous result behind them to make an impressive start he believes was key to their 1-0 Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg win over Stoke City.
The Reds were defeated 2-0 by West Ham United in their last Barclays Premier League outing just three days ago, but showed no signs of low confidence as they attacked from the off at the Britannia Stadium.
That endeavour was rewarded in the 37th minute when substitute Jordon Ibe struck the game's only goal to secure an aggregate advantage ahead of the second leg at Anfield on January 26.
And Lucas, who filled in at the centre of defence after Dejan Lovren was forced out through injury, was delighted with the steel shown by his colleagues.
“It was clear that we had to change something from the West Ham game,” he told Sky Sports in the immediate aftermath of the game.
“Especially in the first minute when we started really well. When we start well, we always play well and today was the case.
“We had bad luck with injuries early on but to keep a clean sheet and score an away goal, now we go to the second leg trying to get a win.”
The Brazilian put in an impressive performance as part of the back four, despite he and partner Kolo Toure being bombarded with high balls late on as the Potters pushed for an equaliser.
On taking up an unfamiliar role, he added: “It’s always hard but it’s a position that I’ve played in a few games this season. If the manager needs me then I need to deliver.
“I think as a team we were really good. That’s the experience and when we are aggressive and we do what we have to do, we play well.
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