FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.09.2008 13:04

Alves adapting well to Barcelona

David Puig

Dani Alves has admitted that he is still adapting to a new style of play at FC Barcelona, but said that he has the same desire to win and do well. The Brazilian full-back also reflected on the defeat against Numancia.

Following a quiet training session on Wednesday where Alves was one of only five first team regulars present, he spoke to the press and revealed how things differed at Camp Nou to when he was at Sevilla. "The new players here have to adapt to a new way of playing and to our new team-mates," he said. "We are a team that goes forward a lot and plays more passing football than Sevilla, who were slightly more direct. Because of that it is impossible for me to play in the same way, but I do still have the same desire."

No more mistakes

Alves then looked back at the reverse in Los Parajitos at the weekend and admitted that the team did not take on board and carry out the coach's instructions. "In that game we were too desperate to win maybe and that let us down," he said. "The team did not read the game well and did not know how to play as the coach had asked us because he had told us to open up the game. Despite that, it is better to make these mistakes now rather than in two months. I am sure that they will not happen again."

Still optimistic

Although Barça were beaten in the opening league game, Alves remains very optimistic that the Blaugrana will have a great chance of winning the league this season. "I am sure that we will win the league even though I know that other teams have strengthened well. It will not be for a want of trying if we do not. Everyone here is very focussed and ready to work hard to change the dynamics of the past two seasons."