“It has been a really important season for me, because I have proved a lot and I could show positive things,” said the Brazilian. “It was the first season I could play more games.

“Hopefully next season I can show even more and the same attitude I have had shown here for three years.

“I expect to be here next season. I have a contract, so if people don’t want me I will have to go, but so far, nobody has said anything to me. I would be happy to stay, of course.”

Elimination to Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Europa League means Liverpool have not won a trophy since 2006 and will finish in their lowest league placing since Benitez assumed charge six years ago.

“The season was not good enough, we could not achieve our targets, now we have to wait and see what happens for next season,” said Lucas. “We don’t know what will happen, so let’s move on and try to finish with a win.

“Everyone is aware of the doubts over Rafa’s future. But we do not know what is going to happen or if some players will come and some will leave. We can only wait. It will be a busy summer with the World Cup and then we will see what happens.

“He hasn’t spoken to us about it. I think his plan is to stay. He has a contract, and everyone who has a contract wants to stay here because it is a big club, but it is not in our control.”

Fellow midfielder Yossi Benayoun added: “There can be no excuses. We have failed, and we have to make sure it does not happen again. The way you react to adversity is so important, and we must respond positively.”