With every remaining match crucial in the La Liga title race, Dani Alves believes Barcelona must be at their best when they meet Villarreal.
Defending champions Barca top the table by five points with nine games left this season and face a challenging fixture away to fourth-placed Villarreal on Saturday, with second-placed Real Madrid waiting to pounce on any slip-ups.
“We have to be as focused as we can,” Alves said.
“They (Villarreal) are one of the most dangerous rivals that we have, but we have enough quality to not fear anyone. We will try to earn the win – that’s always our goal.”
“We are playing against Villarreal for three more points, which in the worst case (if Barca lose) would maintain the gap over the second-placed team.”
“There is no turning back now – every game is a unique opportunity. The end is getting closer, and any mistake could be costly.”
Alves signed a new contract at the Camp Nou earlier this month, ending speculation that the Brazil fullback might be tempted by the riches on offer at Manchester City.
“I am very happy. I said many times that it wasn’t just about the money. It is an important part – I won’t deny that – but all the details have been resolved and I am very happy,” he said.
“I made my desire to stay here very clear, and to maybe finish my career here.
The new four-year deal ties Alves to the club until 2015.
Now 27, he hopes to become one of the longest-serving Brazilians to have played for the Catalan giants.
“Xavi (Hernandez), (Carlos) Puyol, (Andres) Iniesta, they have their stories within the club,” Alves said. “I am reaching three years here and want to have my own story. I want that respect.”
“To compare myself to them wouldn’t be a good idea, because they are the club’s history. I don’t like comparisons, but I want to make history.”
“I want people to have another opinion of Brazilians here; not that they are here for three or four years and then leave. I have always left clubs on good terms.”
Wed 30 March, 2011
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