EXCLUSIVE: Lucas Leiva discusses post-retirement, working with Gremio, Liverpool and Klopp
Liverpool icon Lucas spoke with Flashscore during the Sports Summit, an event in Sao Paulo that brought together leaders in the sports industry. Check out the main parts of the interview below.
How was the process of deciding to retire, and how are you feeling about that decision?
"It was difficult. It came suddenly, as a surprise. But I try to look on the positive side - I am getting the opportunity to get to know other things. I was already planning to retire, not now but a few years from now, and this (condition), in a way, made the decision easier.
"Now it's all about gaining knowledge, meeting people and understanding the football market, which is huge, especially in Brazilian football, which has a lot of room to evolve. There are lots of things we can do to help it improve even more."
You came to an event about the business of sport. Is that related to your new career? Is there a position lined up at Gremio?
"Participating in events like this adds to your knowledge. I still don't have a defined function but I am in a period of transition, seeing in which sector I would fit best and taking advantage to add knowledge and meet new people from the other side of football. We (players) live very much on the pitch and end up not knowing the people who help football in other ways."
Are you going to stay at Gremio, then?
"I am still in the process of discussing contracts, and also to see where I can fit in. I think the important thing is to be able to add something. If I feel I can and Gremio do too, for sure we will have a positive discussion."
What is the plan for this season? Is the goal a spot in the Libertadores?
"Gremio always enters competitions thinking about winning. The Brazilian league is very difficult, especially in away games. Only two teams have won their first two matches, which shows how difficult it will be. There are many factors, such as injuries, travel, and wear and tear, which will determine whether Gremio fight up there in the table.
"Talking about titles is always very difficult because it depends on many factors. We won two tournaments this year, the Gaucho and Recopa Gaucha. Obviously, Copa do Brasil is a championship in which Gremio has a wonderful history, and by getting through the third phase, we are already placed as a team that can dream of something better."
And Liverpool, have they made any contact with you after the end of your career?
"Liverpool was the club where I played the most. It was 10 years. I'm in frequent contact with them, I still have a lot of friends inside the club. When the time is right, I will definitely go to Liverpool, to follow the games and represent the club in some way. As I said, it is still very early, it is all very recent. I have to be calm and gradually align myself with the opportunities that are coming my way."
How would you assess Liverpool's current form? The team is trying to get back into the top four but it's been an unstable season.
"It's been a difficult year. Last season, Liverpool made all the finals, won two titles, lost the Champions League final and finished second in the Premier League. This year was really more difficult. The cycle of some players maybe is ending. I believe there will be a huge renewal of the squad next season."
And what about Jurgen Klopp in this process?
"Jurgen is a guy who knows how to manage. He has certainly identified the problems, and next season Liverpool will come out very strong, I am sure of that. And I am also convinced that Liverpool will be in the Champions League because they have a good enough squad to qualify. They are still close to the fourth with six games to go, so I believe they have a way to reach fourth place."
So do you think Klopp stays?
"I'm sure he will."
