FC BARCELONA

The team managed by Guus Hiddink has in mind to launch a major offensive by the Brazilian full-back.

Dani Alves could be reunited with Samuel Eto'o in the Anzhi. That is the intention of the Russian billionaire club is willing to pull the house out the window by the Brazilian full-back ahead of next season.

According to Radio Marca, the team led by Guus Hiddink wants to try to achieve their dream of qualifying once and for all for the Champions League and will not hesitate to recruit the best players for that.

It would be a best value at the height of the 'global cracks' to try and make the most of the Brazilian doubt which has always expressed his desire to continue as an azulgrana and has a contract until June 2015.

Although the figures of the offer were not disclosed, yes it is noted that the Anzhi would be one of the teams and try to position themselves to sound out the intentions of Alves with which they are very happy at the Camp Nou. (via SPORT)

Full-back stirs memories of 2009 Champions League semi-final
Chelsea and Barcelona meet again in last four of competition
Sid Lowe interviews Dani Alves

The Barcelona defender Dani Alves has risked opening old wounds before tomorrow's Champions League semi-final first leg with Chelsea after claiming the Catalans' controversial victory over the Blues three years ago owed less to the performance of the referee, Tom Henning Ovrebo, and more to the Premier League team lacking courage, being gripped by fear and playing long-ball football.

Barça return to Stamford Bridge to confront a Chelsea team still heavily reliant on the key figures of that 1-1 semi-final draw in May 2009. Twelve of the 18 players in the London club's match day squad then overseen by Guus Hiddink, and beaten on away goals that night, remain at the club and will be eager to exact revenge on the reigning European champions.

Memories of Ovrebo's erratic performance still linger, the Norwegian official having turned down four plausible penalty appeals from Chelsea. Yet Alves, in an interview with the Guardian, said Barcelona's progress – secured courtesy of Andrés Iniesta's stoppage-time equaliser once the visitors had been reduced to 10 men – owed more to Chelsea's failings. "There is no doubt that was the hardest game we have played, with everything that was at stake, the moment and everything that happened," Alves said. "People say Chelsea could have won but for the referee but that is not our problem. We do not control the referees. We are there to play football, to compete and to try to reach the final. What can we do about the referee?

"Chelsea did not reach the final because of fear. The team that has got a man more, is playing at home and winning should have attacked us more. But of course, if you don't have that [attacking] concept of football that Barcelona have, you stay back and you get knocked out. You have to go forward. Stay back: losers. Go forward: winners. I think Chelsea lacked the courage to take a step forward and attack us. They paid for it."

Alves admitted Barcelona's players were surprised Chelsea had not played with more attacking ambition after Eric Abidal's dismissal and that they drew encouragement from their hosts' approach. "At that moment we realised they had renounced the game," he said. "We realised that at 1-0 they were satisfied but they forgot that at 1-1 we were through and that is what happened. All they did is get the ball and get rid of it. Ball here, hit it long; ball there, hit it long! They never took that step forward. In other words they gifted us possession. And the worst thing you can do with Barcelona is give them possession."

Full: www.guardian.co.uk

After the victory at La Romareda, Barça has trained this morning at the Ciudad Deportiva. Alves, with a slight stretch in the biceps muscle of the left thigh, is doubtful for the match against Getafe.

Guardiola has worked with all first team players available and Tello, Montoya, Muniesa and Bartra, Barça B. There was also the keeper of the Juvenil A, Sergi Tienda.

FC Barcelona has trained this Sunday morning at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper in a closed session which began at 11.30 hours. Holders against Zaragoza have made recovery work and the rest have completed a more intense workout, with the participation of four players from Barça B (Tello, Montoya, Muniesa and Bartra) and goalkeeper Juvenil A, Sergi Tienda.

This Sunday you have had more tests to Dani Alves, who retired with discomfort in La Romareda, and confirm that you have a slight stretch in the biceps muscle of the left thigh. Its evolution marks the availability for the match on Tuesday at the Camp Nou against Getafe.

Gerard Piqué has worked outside the group. The center back, who did not travel to Zaragoza, continues his recovery work for the inconvenience you have in the femoral biceps of the left thigh. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Dani Alves was substituted in the second half due to thigh problems in his left leg. The player will undergo medical tests this Sunday to determine the extent of the injury. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Guardiola has managed FC Barcelona in 50 Champions League matches, while the Brazilian played his 200th official match for the Club.

Pep Guardiola has led FC Barcelona in 50 Champions League matches. In his four seasons on the Barça bench, he’s managed to take the team to four consecutive semifinals in the continental tournament. He managed the team in 15 Champions League matches in the 2008/09 season, 12 in the 2009/10 season, 13 in the 2010/11 season and 10 in the current season.

Guardiola has led his team to 31 wins, 14 draws and 5 defeats. The team have scored 119 goals (2.4 per match) and conceded 40 (0.8 per match) with him on the bench. He’s also led his team to two Champions League titles (2009 and 2011).

Dani Alves played in his 200th official match for Barça this evening. He’s defended the Barça shirt 125 times in the Liga, 43 in the Champions League, 21 in the Cup, 6 in the Spanish Super Cup, 2 in the European Super Cup and 3 in the Club World Cup. Despite almost always playing on defence, the Brazilian has scored 15 goals in his 3 and a half seasons at Barça. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Dani Alves praised the work of arbitration, notably by two penalties mentioned.

Dani Alves explained that in his opinion both penalties were well marked by the Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers. "The penalty and grab it if it is within the area must pitarlo, so I think the referee has had personality."

"I'll take the great team work and good dusposicion of my teammates," said the Brazilian. As for the controversy that resulted in the two penalties and statements Ibrahimovic said that "everyone grabs what you want. It has only been a team that has put the play and scoring chances," he added.

Asked about the grip of Nesta, Sergi Busquets, told TV3 microphones that this is "a very clear penalty. Not grab me for a second or two but the whole play is whistled well," said Badia. (via SPORT)

Dani Alves took the proper time and one-match ban for spending the morning in one of the beaches of Barcelona.

Dani Alves did not travel with the rest of the team to Mallorca from suspension and was in Barcelona where he enjoyed a day of quiet before you watch the match at the Estadio Iberostar.

Good time to be enjoyed in the condal city was seized by a Dani Alves to combine two of his passions: beach and football.

The Brazilian was seen by the beach where the Olympic Village was paid to play a game of 'futvoley' in one of the busiest places in Barcelona when the weather begins. (via SPORT)

The Competition Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) decided to stay with a match at barcelonista Dani Alves and Mexican centre-back Hector Moreno of Espanyol.

Among other resolutions of the Committee include the file from a file opened with Gerard Piqué at the request of a complaint by the Association of Arbitrators, a statement made by the referee on the Barcelona vs Sporting Gijón.

The same committee has decided to sanction two games with the defender Pepe and a coach Jose Mourinho and midfielder Mesut Özil all of Real Madrid on Wednesday expelled League match at Villarreal.

Defender Sergio Ramos, who saw red for two bookings, it is not sanctioned by formal defect in the first cardboard and Real Madrid coach Rui Farias is suspended with two partidos.Los agreements referred to the Competition Committee to Barcelona and Espanyol are the following:

1) Warnings:

- For dangerous play: Seydou Keita (Barcelona)
- For the referee comment: Xavi Hernández and Dani Alves (Barcelona)
- For violation of the Rules of the Game: Raúl Baena (Espanyol).

2) A game suspension:

- Accumulation of cautions: Héctor Moreno (Espanyol).
- For a second yellow card and subsequent expulsion: Dani Alves (Barcelona). (via MD)

The record arbitration contains the words of Brazilian full back Dani Alves to the referee Teixeira Vitienes after his expulsion in the 87th minute.

"The player Daniel Alves Da Silva, after being sent off at minute 87, and before leaving the field, turned to me repeatedly and loudly with the following terms:" Yours is awesome! ". So reads the minutes of collegiate Teixeira Vitienes after Barça-Granada on Tuesday and which had its share of leadership after failing to point out three possible penalties for Barça and show a red and eleven yellow cards.

Alves, who saw two yellow cards in the minutes 60 and 87, will miss the next day between Mallorca and Barcelona. (via SPORT)

Dani Alves told reporters today that the team will keep on competing right to the end: “Let’s hope we can keep up this standard until the end because I’m sure we’ll have plenty to enjoy”.

“We’re coming up to the key moments of the season and we're beginning to get the right balance between home games and away games”.

"We’ll keep on competing. The intensity and concentration we have in the league will help us in the rest of the competitions”.

Dani Alves was speaking to reporters after training on Sunday and was upbeat about the team's improving form: "The right balance between home games and away games keeps you in the fight for the league title. We're that distance behind because we've slipped up away from home. However, at this key stage of the season we're beginning to recover that balance. Let's hope we can keep up this standard until the end because I'm sure we'll have plenty to enjoy".

According to Alves, this balance depends on the players maintaining their intensity and concentration: "The most important thing is that we keep on competing right to the end, in the league as well, since it helps us in the rest of the competitions". Asked to comment on Guardiola's assertion on Saturday that Barça would not win the league, Alves emphasised: "There's always sense to what the manager says. We can only say that we'll compete right to the end. We have to do honour to the shirt of the best club in the world. The way to pay back the affection of so many people is to keep them happy with our football".

Alves also spoke about the Champions League quarterfinals: "The best part of the Champions League is coming up and we have to be ready. A really tough opponent awaits us. We won't get any gifts from anybody. At this stage of the competition you can't choose your opponent and you have to play as well as possible against whoever you draw". He's not looking beyond the Milan contest and hopes to stay in the goals: "I hope we take all the chances we create from now on". (via FCBarcelona.com)

The Brazilian Dani Alves was sincere in an interview with SPORT in which he expressed his desire to retire at FC Barcelona.

Dani Alves, the Brazilian player of FC Barcelona said in an interview with SPORT, their "intention to retire at Barça" and spend much time at FC Barcelona.

He also spoke of his teammates who said they are "great people" and told "this dress is unique and hardly find a dress like this."

VIDEO: www.sport.es

Ronaldinho is on the list and could be one of the three over 23 years will Menezes London.
Spanish League has been called,also, Coutinho, Henrique, Diego Alves, Jonas and Marcelo.

Brazilian football coach, Mano Menezes has announced the list of 52 shortlisted for the London 2012 Olympic Games in, which include the side of Barcelona, Dani Alves, like his partner Adriano. Among the above is also the local star Neymar, Real Madrid player Marcelo and Valencia, Jonas.

Flamengo The forward of Ronaldinho Gaúcho, who has played the Olympic football tournaments in Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008, in which Brazil failed to achieve the gold is still missing in their windows, listed and could be one of three over 23 years Menezes will take to London.

Spanish League has been invited as well Espanyol striker Phillipe Coutinho, on loan from Inter Milan until the end of this season, Henrique, who has played for Granada and Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves.

English Carling come Uvini and Sandro of Tottenham, David Luiz of Chelsea and Rafael of Manchester United. I of the Italian Pato and Thiago Silva of Milan, Gabriel Silva of Novara, Hernanes of Lazio, Juan and Julio César of Inter and Net of Fiorentina. (via MD)

Daniel Alves stressed that the coach azulgrana bears no resemblance to Mourinho.

Dani Alves Barça currently reviewed yesterday in an interview with Catalunya Radio program, 'El club de la Mitjanit'. The Brazilian was adamant on the comparison between Guardiola and Mou which prompted the Portuguese coach. "Guardiola and Mourinho look like Brazil and Japan," pulled.

On the controversial arbitration, stressed the importance of focusing on the things that depend only on the players. "We can not assess the arbitration or entries rivals, because it is a losing battle. It hurts, yes, but not worth discussing. We have to fight it where we are the best. Now comes the most beautiful stretch of the season and we have to get perfect. "Alves referred also to the situation of Guardiola, whose renewal has gripped the barcelonismo. "People do not understand, but it is very difficult to keep hunger after winning so much. Guardiola is the key to the team. "

The full-back also praised Leo: "If everyone is consistent, Messi Ballon d'Or win the next 3 or 4 years, which is why I would do different balls of gold for positions in the field, but Leo will always win." (via SPORT)

Dani said the majority of the locker room upset.

Barcelona players, despite the victory won against Sporting Gijón, were unhappy with what happened on the pitch at Camp Nou. More specifically to the arbitration proceedings, which Dani Alves did not hesitate to describe as "a lost war." In addition, the Brazilian side he emphasized that "still having difficulties, we will fight and defend our winning spirit."

One of the protagonists of the crash was Piqué, who was ejected for a foul committed on the edge of the area in the 46th minute. "At half went to talk to the referee on the penalty that whistled to Keita and took it very well," Piqué said after the meeting. "Some colleges take these comments personally, point your tuition and what they can and teach you the slightest excuse the red. I taught it with malice aforethought by a personal matter," he said.

In addition, the centre-back said "you realize you have to do more. We have to be far superior to the rival because doing only better, sometimes it comes." Still, he wanted to express that "la Liga is complicated but we will keep trying."

Another not mince words about the actions of Velasco Carballo was Pedro. "The moment is normal to have a reaction against the referee because you see a play that is very clear," said Tenerife. "The referee's performance was not the best but with this we can not do anything. We have to give over 100% to get the party going," said Pedro.

That was more restrained was Iniesta noting that "the arbitrator has a very difficult it is to decide in a split second. The reality is that we are behind Madrid and all that happens generate different views." (via MD)

Barça right-back can be charged even if the season finally is one of the elect to strengthen Brazil in the Olympics.

The Brazilian full-back of FC Barcelona, Dani Alves, is on the agenda of the coach 'canarinho', Ney Franco, to integrate the selection that will go to the Olympics in 2012. The gold in the discipline of football is the great unfinished business of Brazil and the combined sudameridano be reinforced with three players aged over 23 luxury to give consistency to a team that will feature rising stars such as Neymar and Ganso.

For now, Ney Franco has occupied one of three places with Thiago Silva, centre-back of Milan. Olympic coach confident defender, a 'wardrobe' of 1.83 and with experience in a highly competitive football Italian, both domestically and internationally.

Now calibrate the possibility of recruiting another defender, Alves, to give greater consistency to the last line of equipment. The presence of the Barcelona Olympic table would give added value to be a player who has won everything and also can develop in various demarcations. Third place would still be in the air.

The truth is that all of Brazil coach, Mano Menezes, has always relied on Alves as demonstrated since he took the reins of the 'Seleçao', giving the title in the right lane.

Brazil, for now, partly as the favorite in the Olympics with Spain. The selections have already got the ticket for London are Belarus, Switzerland and hosts, Great Britain (for Europe), Morocco, Egypt and Gabon (for Africa), South Korea (for Asia) and Uruguay (South America). Still remain to be assigned six teams.

Brazil, with the help of Neymar, Ganso, Thiago Silva and possibly Alves, hopes to take over from Argentina, who won gold in the last two editions: Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. Will not defend gold in London in 2012 for failing to qualify.

That will not be in the next summer games will be Ronaldinho, who despite being in the latest calls for Menezes, is not performing to the level expected. In addition, the crack of Flamengo and now had his chance in Beijing 2008. (via SPORT)

The Barça defender assisted Marcelo for Brazil’s first goal. Alves played the 90 minutes of the match and he was one of Brazil’s best players. Adriano didn’t play.

Dani Alves played the 90 minutes of the friendly between Brazil and Bosnia in Switzerland. The game ended with Brazil scoring the go-ahead goal in the last minute of the match (2-1). Both sides were evenly matched, without many goal-scoring chances for either side and the Bosnian defence stoop relatively stedfast against Brazil’s offence; Brazil got the winner when Papac scored an own goal.

The Barça defender collaborated in the South American side’s first goal as he slotted an incisive pass through the Bosnian defence for Marcelo, the Real Madrid defender’s shot was unstoppable for Begovic. It was the third minute of the match and it looked as though the public was on the verge of seeing a Brazil goal fest. However, a mistake from Julio César, after Brazil’s midfield lost the ball, allowed Bosnia to climb back to level terms. The game became, at that point, wasn’t fluid and goal-scoring chances were few and far between.

At the start of the second half, Dani Alves, one of the most active Brazilian players along with Marcelo, had a chance to score from a free kick but his shot went wide.

The other Barça player called up by Manu Menezes, Adriano, didn’t play in the match. (via FCBarcelona.com)


[Match Stats]
Brazil: Julio César, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Sandro (Elías, 59'), Fernandinho, Hernanes (Hulk, 67'), Ronaldinho (Ganso, 62'), Neymar (Jonás, 92'), Leandro

Bosnia: Begovic, Papac, Spahic, Pandza, Rahimic, Jahic, Pjanic, Misimovic (Ibricic, 88'), Dzeko, Ibisevic (Salihovic, 80') y Medunjanin (Zahirovic, 78').

Goals: 1-0, Marcelo (3'), 1-1 Ibisevic (12'), Papac o.g. (91')

Referee: Sacha Kever (Swiss)

Stadium: Sen Galen (Switzerland)

Dani Alves attended to MD at the offices of Cedar Esport, the company that represents it and that last Wednesday launched the new and spectacular Brazilian website: www.danialves.com.

La Liga is more than complicated.

Dani Alves (DA): We took it as a challenge. Let's see if we can reach at Madrid. If we are so distant is because we have done something wrong.

Are they just the ten points?

DA: By the game, no. There are two ways to play different, equally acceptable, and yours is more effective. The difference is a bit exaggerated watching the two teams, but we have not been able to score the necessary points to keep that distance and now have no margin for error.

Have you analyzed the reasons?

DA: We looked at everything and has been a little weird what happened to us. Since I had not ever had this many injuries. They are not excuses, but somehow it affects you.

Why only affects out?

DA: With what we have done in previous years, we have to do it three times the work to achieve the objective. We have not had that other seasons balance between home and away. But you have to fight to the end. Nothing is impossible. We must do our part. If punctured, either. And if not, I congratulate you for being champions.

The clásico of League was azulgrana ...

DA: They make the direct league matches but lost in other theoretically less important. Perhaps there are parties that do not give them much importance, you relax and just getting a surprise.

So much has improved Madrid?

DA: It has always been a team in which the important thing is winning. Playing well does not care. We have to play well to win, enjoy and delight people. It is a philosophy of this house.

Although not make excuses, do arbitrations are influencing?

DA: Our boss that takes away the head. Do not talk about the referees. We must leave them alone, do their job because if we do things three times as well, although there are mistakes, the rivals can not afford to win.

Do you feel more comfortable playing in Europe, with less pressure?

DA: We feel comfortable playing football and enjoying it. Never mind that another competition. The Champions League is the most spectacular for what it means, but the league is just as important.

Is the Champions League is now the priority?

DA: Our priority is to win the league. It is the competition more difficult, the more elaborate. The Champions too, but now we can not talk to prioritize anything. We will try to compete at all.

Barcelona and Madrid, as the best teams in Europe are called to meet again in the Champions League. Where the end or before?

DA: Currently the two best teams are us and Manchester United, the last finalists. The Madrid competes very well and if we face, we will prepare well.

And the Copa? Why is it special?

DA: It will be a tough game. Athletic has improved a lot. We look forward to enjoy this final as it costs to get and come muchísmo losing the title last year. It is a wonderful opportunity to win it back.

And personally, how is Dani?

DA: stoy physically spectacular. What happens is that when a game things go wrong, you start talking about me. You take a step in your life where you have to make a decision and say things that do not exist. But both criticism and praise when I do my work. I live for my team, my coach and my club.

Have you been encouraged in the locker room?

DA: They know my contribution. If things go well, well, if not go well, try to all get ahead. Do not point fingers. I am very happy with my work.

Pep said it was five days ...

DA: That's the coach. It is always controlling everything and said "go, you need to disconnect a little bit." When you think you do not mind your colleagues, but I was watching TV before. Let me ask about any move!

Were you surprised by his substitution in the Cup against Valencia?

DA: When I joined the club no one told me "you're going to play every game." I have a special affection and respect for my peers and if looking for controversy because they would not play disrespect to them. I am an employee and the employees accept the decisions of their bosses.

How far you feel comfortable?

DA: Yes I try to always do my best and do what I ask.

But the feeling is that shines more when starting from behind.

DA: I for one think that the more positions you play, the less you play. If you put me there, I will, but I side. Upstairs there are players who do better than me, like Cuenca, Alexis and others. My natural position is the side which conozo very well and I can defend.

Continues to give many assists.

DA: My numbers from this and last season are the same. But with ten points, people talk forever.

Last pass to Messi in Leverkusen goal was much celebrated.

DA: I have very clear ideas. If you checked, the only difference is that my father will be happier. I always said I have to shoot more. But I prefer to enter another. His work is that, and will be happier if they score. My function is to assist and make theirs. So everyone is happy.

So much needed to mark Messi?

DA: Messi lives of the goal. Assists, plays great, but is happier if brand. We know that a golmío does not help much, but his goal can serve to gain personally.

Is your goal to Madrid at the Copa was the best of his career?

DA: Yes, for the difficulty, how to get the ball, by the party, the rival, to aid the classification, for everything.

That day gave reason to his father ...

DA: Yes, my father told me "congratulations". I just said, "See? Must shoot."

Do you have greatly affected Tito Vilanova disease?

DA: Obviously, but when you see one with strength, it also strengthens us. I'm glad he's okay.

Go praise you lately has been devoted to Money!

DA: It is the reality. Without Pep, no heaven and he knows his importance to us. We need you. It's like a glove for all. Nobody wants the cold without gloves. Pep is the bringer of harmony, which is very respectful to everyone.

Would you say you face to face they want to continue?

DA: We do not get. Is personal. Is your work. We must leave him alone to take the decision he sees fit for your life and your family. People should be happy. And if something does not make you happy, change and do other things.

Is it hard to understand their doubts when they all want to continue?

DA: You can not put on your skin, but if we want to continue it because it suits us all. I appreciate, but also interests me because it is he who can best take my best for how it works and ideas.

Will the players the first to know?

DA: What interests us is to renew the order is not important.

This year is getting longer ...

DA: If you have extended is because it has focused on what is at stake and can not be distracted.

How long Alves in Barça?

DA: So let me! I support not to be in UnSitio if one party or another is not happy. The affection I have for Barça, finish my career here or not, is always the same. All that I am in football is due to Barça and Sevilla.


"I know people hate me"

Alves is one of the most irritating players to the fans of Madrid for his character in the classics. From the speakers blank media club is accused of making theater. Dani threatens, but does not fit the cloth.

"That's something of the history of this master, a wizard to destroy .... In football there are many lies. When I was signing for Madrid was the best in the world. One does not pass well be the best to worst. there is some interest. If it interests me, and if you praise, criticize you. we are vaccinated. If we affect to tell us this or that, not live. I have twitter and I have many people who love me and many people who hate me, but many people do not know me. I can not hate someone who do not know. only bother me that people who know me speak ill of me, "said the side before explaining the reason for his football temperament:" When I compete I do like someone who is hungry and sits down to eat. When not competing, I'm supertranquilo. People believe what they see, hear and read. I ever see, hear and read less and live happier. "

Alves does not give much importance to media pressure, "I'm used to. Each plays their weapons. These things make us bigger and help us to compete well and win. Have to focus your energies and forces on what really matters."

And hard on yourself and those around him, asking the fans a plus: "I love my fans for the love they showed me, but I do not share things like that in the semi-final against Valencia Camp Nou was not full to bursting. was a semifinal to redo them to enjoy with a new end. like them we also require demand. I would like the people I want to be with me when I'm wrong, not when I'm fine. when I'm good I have a million friends, and when not, do not come to count on one hand. "And positive energy claimed: "Negativity attracts negative things and positive, positive. If we are the first that we believe we can end up being able to". (via MD)

The Brazilian was full of praise for his manager and would bet on him staying on, whilst not giving up the fight for a League title that is "difficult but not impossible". About Guardiola’s contract renewal he said "I think he’ll renew it, without him we are nothing".



Over and above the decision that Guardiola must make, Alves wished to thank him for everything he's done as a manager. "Guardiola has put the smile back into football, for the fans and people who like real football", he said during the presentation of his new website, in Cornella. "I think he'll renew his contract, without him we are nothing" he added, aware of what Guardiola has given the Club over the past three and a half seasons: 13 out of 16 possible titles.

Alves repeated time and again his thanks to Guardiola. "Thanks to him I'm here and I've achieved so many things," he said. "I think in this life one should always be grateful. If he makes the decision not to continue, what he's already done will stay with us. Although football has no memory, we do remember. If players started to leave we would have part of the blame. We should be grateful to Guardiola, not only as a player but also as a manager" he said. However, he predicts the Manager's contract renewal "I am convinced that Guardiola will stay with us, if not it'll be a big surprise for me. He makes this League greater."

In addition to Guardiola's renewal, Alves gave his opinion on Barça's chances of winning the League Title: "Barça haven't said the last word yet in the competition. We know that it's tough and that their lead is considerable, but not impossible to peg back. We'll compete to the end, and if we lose, we'll congratulate the winners....If we're this far behind, then we've done something wrong. If we look how both teams are playing, I believe the lead is very great" he said about the 10 points difference. However, he's of the opinion that "the balance of the season should be looked at in June, the road is still long".

About his individual performance, he's very calm, "I'd worry if my teammates or my manager were criticising my performance, but they have no doubts. Rumours don't bother me, and the Club has no doubt whatsoever about my professional attitude". (via FCBarcelona.com)

The full-back of FC Barcelona's Brazilian Dani Alves was here Monday the winter resort of Sierra Nevada to put an end to a five-day visit to Grenada, with permission of the club and could not take his team to play with yesterday's match against Valencia through suspension.

Alves has been accompanied, among others, by officials of the winter season and the manager of marketing and advertising of Granada CF, Álvaro Pérez, who knows from its path by Sevilla FC, Efe reported sources of the winter season.

The Brazilian international, who has agreed to sign autographs and be photographed with different groups of students with whom he agreed, visited different places of the Granada station and has fun in some of the recreational attractions of the park where, even, has mounted in a "Russian sleigh."

Alves has been in Granada since last Thursday, when he attended at night to the concert given by singer India Martinez, taking advantage of FC Barcelona was allowed unable to play, being sanctioned, the Spanish League match in which his team won 5-1 at Valencia. (via MD)