74 Champions League Daily Mail, Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Daily Mail, Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Champions League 75
On the attack: Dani Alves says Barcelona’s Dani Alves hits back it’s no accident Pellegrini has he’s always in INTERVIEW team of the year by Pete Jenson at critics who say he can’t defend his eyes on IN BARCELONA
ERE comes Dani Alves. We can’t see him yet through the Audi the big prize Q7’s windows, but the fact that the sponsors’ car heading this way has been customised in brightH orange vinyl gives the game away I’ve won more — it can only be Alves. As he bounds into the press room at Barcelona’s as exit looms Joan Gamper training ground in his drop-crotch trousers and leather jacket, the temptation is to begin by asking him to put his medals on the By CHRIS WHEELER table, but we would probably need a bigger table. He has won 30 in total. That’s as many as Pele and two more than Lionel Messi, who is the only THE clock is already counting down foreign player who has played more games for to Manuel Pellegrini’s exit from Barcelona than Alves. Manchester City at the end of the ‘I’m no Messi, but every time he goes to the Ballon season when he will be replaced d’Or he has to take me with him because I’m in the by Pep Guardiola, regardless of team of the season,’ he grins. ‘Maybe it’s because I medals than what happens between now and have a friend among the judges but I have five of then. It’s an unusual situation and those (team of the year) trophies. I even joke with one that will feel all the more him, “You have to keep taking me to this gala because every time I come with you, you win”.’ peculiar if Pellegrini signs off by Alves’s wit has been sharpened by years of gentle establishing City as champions of but persistent criticism. ‘Without being able to Europe before he goes. defend properly I have lasted nine years at Curiously, Jupp Heynckes faced a Barcelona. Imagine what I would have achieved if similar scenario in 2013 as he led I had been any good,’ he quips. Bayern Munich to Champions There are also those who argue he has won this League glory having also known in OUCH! much because of the team he plays for. ‘Maybe it mid-season that he would be is easier to win things at Barcelona,’ he says, Messi . . . so making way for Guardiola. ‘but it’s also more difficult to stay in the team here, or at least to stay in it for long enough to Tonight at the Etihad Pellegrini is expected to take City one step closer to that goal by reaching the quarter-final when they defend a 3-1 first-leg lead against Dynamo Whack: Sergio Aguero is hit in ‘Sanchez didn’t fail . . . Kiev. There was not a hint of the face by a Vincent Kompany resentment from Pellegrini as he shot in training yesterday AFP discussed the issue yesterday, but players have to however. No bad feeling. qualifying from the Champions imagine A coach brought in largely League group stage three years in because of his impressive c.v. in a row. On two of those occasions learn the Barca way’ Europe with Villarreal and Malaga, they qualified behind Guardiola’s wants to go out by delivering the Bayern, sharing two wins apiece — win this much.’ Of all his medals, those won last ultimate prize in club football — season mean the most because he says: ‘They had as the Chilean was not shy to point written me off as finished.’ but not because he feels he has a out yesterday. His contract had wound down but in the ecstasy This season City finally made it of the second treble in his Barca career, he and through as group winners. ex-wife and current agent Dinorah Santa Ana MAN CITY v DYNAMO KIEV ‘I think that we have improved,’ signed a new two-year deal last summer. He sees (Man City lead 3-1 from 1st leg; probable teams) said Pellegrini. ‘Before I arrived himself as one of Barcelona’s great survivors and here this club didn’t qualify for the uses hand gestures to explain his next point. SO, DANI SHOW US YOUR MEDALS... (4-2-3-1) Hart round of 16. We did it twice in the ‘My critics have always put me under the last two years, twice in the group magnifying glass but what they don’t realise is you if I’d been ALVES has won an BARCELONA Kompany Otamendi can’t magnify the bad without magnifying the stage with Bayern Munich, against good, too. If you look at my balls and they’re this incredible 30 trophies 5 La Liga Zabaleta Kolarov a team where we won two games during his career, and we lost two games. We’re very big (hands outstretched). Put them under the 4 magnifying glass and they’re going to be even including six with Barca Spanish Super Cup Fernandinho Fernando equal in that sense. bigger (extends hands).’ ‘This year we improve a little bit in the 2008-09 season. 3 Champions League Navas Toure Sterling Tomorrow night, in the Champions League last- more because we won the group. 16 second leg, he faces someone who did not last 3 Copa del Rey Now we have the option to as long at the Nou Camp. Alexis Sanchez returns Aguero for the first time since his move to Arsenal. Is it 3 Club World Cup continue to the next stage. The SEVILLE Teodorczyk most important thing is to know fair to say he failed in his three seasons at Barca? 3 UEFA Super Cup ‘He didn’t fail,’ Alves says. ‘But it’s hard to Gonzalez Yarmolenko that we have not qualified already. play here because you have to understand the 5 We have talked with the players playing idea. He’s a great player and I always any good! SEVILLA about what we must do.’ Veloso Garmash Buyalskiy knew he would be a success when he left. Espe- BRAZIL 2 UEFA Cup Barring a collapse by City or a cially if he went somewhere where he would be Silva Vida remarkable comeback by Arsenal the protagonist. He’s the kind of player who 4 1 Copa del Rey against Barcelona, Pellegrini’s side needs that.’ Dragovic Khacheridi 1 UEFA Super Cup will be the only Premier League Is that the difference between the is a corner and it’s cheered like it’s ability to shut out the opposition. on the idea of sacrifice and impor- Serial winner: BARCELONA team in the last eight. Arsenal forward and his replace- a goal. I have always said that it ‘When Claudio (Bravo, Barcelona’s tance of team over individuals. with the Club Shovkovskiy (4-3-3) ment at Barcelona, Luis Suarez? 1 Spanish Super Cup Joe Hart says City are relishing the was something I wanted to do.’ goalkeeper) picked up his “Zamora” ‘I love my team,’ he says. ‘I live for World Cup 21 (Name in yellow = one yellow card from ban) The implication is that Suarez has He would need the right coach — prize (for the keeper who conceded my team-mates and I’d be no use opportunity to be England’s been a better fit because he no point signing him and telling fewest goals last season) a little to them if I wasn’t always thinking about last year BRAZIL Kick-off: 7.45pm, Etihad Stadium. standard bearers and urged his has played more for the team than him not to cross the halfway line as piece of that is mine. When the about how to make sure they play me to get GETTY IMAGES 2 Confederations Cup TV & Radio: LIVE BT Sport Europe, team-mates to seize their chance. he has as an individual. his first manager in Spain, Joaquin team doesn’t concede that is well. If they make mistakes, I have on the BBC Radio 5 Live Hart said: ‘People have their ‘You have to understand that at Caparros, did at Sevilla when he because we have all done our jobs.’ to know how to be there to cover. If front page TEAM BREAKDOWN 1 Copa America Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania). opinions on what’s going on in Barcelona it’s not enough just to be arrived from Brazil in 2003. Alves says he improved tactically they need the ball, I need to know of the paper the next day.’ OF THE TROPHIES terms of British teams in Europe at a great player; you need to have a ‘I told him, “Why can’t I go past under Guardiola and that he was where to give it to them. Alves responded by tweeting a 1 FIFA World Youth the moment, but we can only send great understanding of the way the halfway line?” Football is ‘I don’t want to spend all season photo of his 30 trophies and a HE HAS WON Championship Barcelona play,’ Alves says. ‘If you defend-attack, attack-defend. He talking about me and at the end of simple ‘buenos dias (good day)’. point to prove to City’s owners in the message that we’re here, understand that, then you will have even changed my position until he it we haven’t won anything. That’s Things get philosophical as the Abu Dhabi. we’re in it to win it and we’re a long career here. Those that realised that although I had a disaster.’ interview winds down. ‘I hope ‘Of course, if you have to leave at going to keep fighting to the end. don’t, come and go, and that offensive qualities I could do both ‘I would still It’s an observation that brings to that I’m contagious,’ he says of the end of the season the best way ‘We’ve got to believe we can win doesn’t mean they’re bad players. things. That’s what makes you mind his various spats with Cristiano his personality. ‘I want people back to the simple says with laughter. ‘There’s no rush.’ to leave is winning titles,’ said it, otherwise there’s no point in ‘They go somewhere else and they different. If you do only what you’re Ronaldo over the years. Ronaldo to enjoy life, to be happy. Don’t life when all this is In the first leg against Arsenal, he Pellegrini. ‘But if I was continuing turning up. We’ve been together a enjoy it because they’re beasts. But asked, you’re the same as all the like to play blanked him at the Ballon d’Or last be bitter; the world is already over? It’s unlikely. ran seven miles. Only three team- next year I would also have the long time now and we need to at Barcelona it’s not enough just to rest. I have never wanted to be the January as the two lined up for the bitter enough.’ A career as a coach mates covered more ground, so it same desire for the club to be as improve.’ be a beast of a player.’ is ruled out but with doesn’t look like it’s all over for same as all the rest.’ team of the year photograph. Maybe it’s easier to whistle while high as they can. Midfielder Yaya Toure has told In Barca’s 2-0 first-leg victory Perhaps Pep Guardiola could in England’ In the build-up, Alves had said: ‘I you work when you are a hand- model girlfriend, Joana him just yet. And he’s looking against Sanchez and Co at the unleash him on English football? ‘I still think he (Ronaldo) is displaying somely rewarded footballer? But he Sanz — who he whisked off to ahead to the rest of the season ‘For me, leaving at the end of the friends he doesn’t want to move Emirates, Alves showed all the same don’t think he’d call me,’ Alves a lot of quality but that’s the has an answer for that, too. Venice last week when given a few with relish. season and not leaving at the end abroad if he leaves City at the end verve that made Roman Abramov- says laughing. blown away by his ability to make problem when you are too much ‘People think that the fact that I days’ break by Barcelona boss Luis ‘Some people say there is not the of the season are exactly the of the season. ich want to sign him for Chelsea in He was Pep’s first signing in 2008 great players press for 90 minutes. the protagonist. When the team am well paid is the reason that I do Enrique — he could pursue his fluidity of old in our play but the same. I feel the same Toure, 32, has one year left on his 2007. With his 33rd birthday around and they certainly share a philoso- ‘The first person to apply the wins they always talk about you so the things I do, but it’s not true. interest in fashion. He is more sure games that we used to struggle to responsibility, the same desire to contract and is waiting to see if he the corner in May, is it too late for phy. He says of the team talk before pressure was our best player, Messi,’ when you lose, you take the blame.’ ‘Sometimes, I think I was happier of how his career will end than win because we were not 100 per continue further in the Champions is wanted under new coach him to play in England? the 2011 European Cup final win he says of the team that won 2011’s That ‘too much the protagonist’ growing up in the countryside with what he’ll do when it does. cent now we win those matches. League. So I don’t think that one Guardiola. If not, he would prefer Champions League at Wembley. ‘This team has character, it has ‘I don’t know when, but I would over Manchester United: ‘The only line upset Ronaldo and neither was my dad. It was a more natural ‘I will decide when it’s time. Don’t thing is linked with the other one. to stay in the Barclays Premier like to play there — to experience thing that he asked us to do was When guessing games were played he too pleased when Alves said existence. Now everyone is on their expect news reports saying, “Dani balls, it is ready for any challenge.’ what I have seen so many times attack. It was the only way to beat about why Guardiola left, Alves’s Neymar deserved to finish ahead of phone, no-one talks to anyone, announces that this will be his last Barcelona v Arsenal in the It doesn’t matter what happens at League. The City midfielder is from the sofa at home,’ he says. such a strong opponent.’ name was mentioned among a group him on the Ballon d’Or podium. they’re all looking down (at social season”. One day I’ll just say, “That’s Champions League last-16 second the end of the season.’ aware of interest from China and ‘The way the people experience He is proud of his attacking that the coach felt he could no longer When Ronaldo was asked about networks) to see what people are it”.’ So tomorrow, suddenly, he’ll be leg is on BT Sport Europe Pellegrini has already taken City Inter Milan but his family are football in England. The way there reputation but defends his own manage, but he seems genuinely big the comment, he said: ‘People talk saying about them.’ So will he go gone then? ‘What’s your hurry?’ he tomorrow from 7pm (kick-off 7.45). into unmapped territory by settled in England.
http://goo.gl/KyFA6i 74 Champions League Daily Mail, Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Daily Mail, Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Champions League 75
On the attack: Dani Alves says Barcelona’s Dani Alves hits back it’s no accident Pellegrini has he’s always in INTERVIEW team of the year by Pete Jenson at critics who say he can’t defend his eyes on IN BARCELONA
ERE comes Dani Alves. We can’t see him yet through the Audi the big prize Q7’s windows, but the fact that the sponsors’ car heading this way has been customised in brightH orange vinyl gives the game away I’ve won more — it can only be Alves. As he bounds into the press room at Barcelona’s as exit looms Joan Gamper training ground in his drop-crotch trousers and leather jacket, the temptation is to begin by asking him to put his medals on the By CHRIS WHEELER table, but we would probably need a bigger table. He has won 30 in total. That’s as many as Pele and two more than Lionel Messi, who is the only THE clock is already counting down foreign player who has played more games for to Manuel Pellegrini’s exit from Barcelona than Alves. Manchester City at the end of the ‘I’m no Messi, but every time he goes to the Ballon season when he will be replaced d’Or he has to take me with him because I’m in the by Pep Guardiola, regardless of team of the season,’ he grins. ‘Maybe it’s because I medals than what happens between now and have a friend among the judges but I have five of then. It’s an unusual situation and those (team of the year) trophies. I even joke with one that will feel all the more him, “You have to keep taking me to this gala because every time I come with you, you win”.’ peculiar if Pellegrini signs off by Alves’s wit has been sharpened by years of gentle establishing City as champions of but persistent criticism. ‘Without being able to Europe before he goes. defend properly I have lasted nine years at Curiously, Jupp Heynckes faced a Barcelona. Imagine what I would have achieved if similar scenario in 2013 as he led I had been any good,’ he quips. Bayern Munich to Champions There are also those who argue he has won this League glory having also known in OUCH! much because of the team he plays for. ‘Maybe it mid-season that he would be is easier to win things at Barcelona,’ he says, Messi . . . so making way for Guardiola. ‘but it’s also more difficult to stay in the team here, or at least to stay in it for long enough to Tonight at the Etihad Pellegrini is expected to take City one step closer to that goal by reaching the quarter-final when they defend a 3-1 first-leg lead against Dynamo Whack: Sergio Aguero is hit in ‘Sanchez didn’t fail . . . Kiev. There was not a hint of the face by a Vincent Kompany resentment from Pellegrini as he shot in training yesterday AFP discussed the issue yesterday, but players have to however. No bad feeling. qualifying from the Champions imagine A coach brought in largely League group stage three years in because of his impressive c.v. in a row. On two of those occasions learn the Barca way’ Europe with Villarreal and Malaga, they qualified behind Guardiola’s wants to go out by delivering the Bayern, sharing two wins apiece — win this much.’ Of all his medals, those won last ultimate prize in club football — season mean the most because he says: ‘They had as the Chilean was not shy to point written me off as finished.’ but not because he feels he has a out yesterday. His contract had wound down but in the ecstasy This season City finally made it of the second treble in his Barca career, he and through as group winners. ex-wife and current agent Dinorah Santa Ana MAN CITY v DYNAMO KIEV ‘I think that we have improved,’ signed a new two-year deal last summer. He sees (Man City lead 3-1 from 1st leg; probable teams) said Pellegrini. ‘Before I arrived himself as one of Barcelona’s great survivors and here this club didn’t qualify for the uses hand gestures to explain his next point. SO, DANI SHOW US YOUR MEDALS... (4-2-3-1) Hart round of 16. We did it twice in the ‘My critics have always put me under the last two years, twice in the group magnifying glass but what they don’t realise is you if I’d been ALVES has won an BARCELONA Kompany Otamendi can’t magnify the bad without magnifying the stage with Bayern Munich, against good, too. If you look at my balls and they’re this incredible 30 trophies 5 La Liga Zabaleta Kolarov a team where we won two games during his career, and we lost two games. We’re very big (hands outstretched). Put them under the 4 magnifying glass and they’re going to be even including six with Barca Spanish Super Cup Fernandinho Fernando equal in that sense. bigger (extends hands).’ ‘This year we improve a little bit in the 2008-09 season. 3 Champions League Navas Toure Sterling Tomorrow night, in the Champions League last- more because we won the group. 16 second leg, he faces someone who did not last 3 Copa del Rey Now we have the option to as long at the Nou Camp. Alexis Sanchez returns Aguero for the first time since his move to Arsenal. Is it 3 Club World Cup continue to the next stage. The SEVILLE Teodorczyk most important thing is to know fair to say he failed in his three seasons at Barca? 3 UEFA Super Cup ‘He didn’t fail,’ Alves says. ‘But it’s hard to Gonzalez Yarmolenko that we have not qualified already. play here because you have to understand the 5 We have talked with the players playing idea. He’s a great player and I always any good! SEVILLA about what we must do.’ Veloso Garmash Buyalskiy knew he would be a success when he left. Espe- BRAZIL 2 UEFA Cup Barring a collapse by City or a cially if he went somewhere where he would be Silva Vida remarkable comeback by Arsenal the protagonist. He’s the kind of player who 4 1 Copa del Rey against Barcelona, Pellegrini’s side needs that.’ Dragovic Khacheridi 1 UEFA Super Cup will be the only Premier League Is that the difference between the is a corner and it’s cheered like it’s ability to shut out the opposition. on the idea of sacrifice and impor- Serial winner: BARCELONA team in the last eight. Arsenal forward and his replace- a goal. I have always said that it ‘When Claudio (Bravo, Barcelona’s tance of team over individuals. with the Club Shovkovskiy (4-3-3) ment at Barcelona, Luis Suarez? 1 Spanish Super Cup Joe Hart says City are relishing the was something I wanted to do.’ goalkeeper) picked up his “Zamora” ‘I love my team,’ he says. ‘I live for World Cup 21 (Name in yellow = one yellow card from ban) The implication is that Suarez has He would need the right coach — prize (for the keeper who conceded my team-mates and I’d be no use opportunity to be England’s been a better fit because he no point signing him and telling fewest goals last season) a little to them if I wasn’t always thinking about last year BRAZIL Kick-off: 7.45pm, Etihad Stadium. standard bearers and urged his has played more for the team than him not to cross the halfway line as piece of that is mine. When the about how to make sure they play me to get GETTY IMAGES 2 Confederations Cup TV & Radio: LIVE BT Sport Europe, team-mates to seize their chance. he has as an individual. his first manager in Spain, Joaquin team doesn’t concede that is well. If they make mistakes, I have on the BBC Radio 5 Live Hart said: ‘People have their ‘You have to understand that at Caparros, did at Sevilla when he because we have all done our jobs.’ to know how to be there to cover. If front page TEAM BREAKDOWN 1 Copa America Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania). opinions on what’s going on in Barcelona it’s not enough just to be arrived from Brazil in 2003. Alves says he improved tactically they need the ball, I need to know of the paper the next day.’ OF THE TROPHIES terms of British teams in Europe at a great player; you need to have a ‘I told him, “Why can’t I go past under Guardiola and that he was where to give it to them. Alves responded by tweeting a 1 FIFA World Youth the moment, but we can only send great understanding of the way the halfway line?” Football is ‘I don’t want to spend all season photo of his 30 trophies and a HE HAS WON Championship Barcelona play,’ Alves says. ‘If you defend-attack, attack-defend. He talking about me and at the end of simple ‘buenos dias (good day)’. point to prove to City’s owners in the message that we’re here, understand that, then you will have even changed my position until he it we haven’t won anything. That’s Things get philosophical as the Abu Dhabi. we’re in it to win it and we’re a long career here. Those that realised that although I had a disaster.’ interview winds down. ‘I hope ‘Of course, if you have to leave at going to keep fighting to the end. don’t, come and go, and that offensive qualities I could do both ‘I would still It’s an observation that brings to that I’m contagious,’ he says of the end of the season the best way ‘We’ve got to believe we can win doesn’t mean they’re bad players. things. That’s what makes you mind his various spats with Cristiano his personality. ‘I want people back to the simple says with laughter. ‘There’s no rush.’ to leave is winning titles,’ said it, otherwise there’s no point in ‘They go somewhere else and they different. If you do only what you’re Ronaldo over the years. Ronaldo to enjoy life, to be happy. Don’t life when all this is In the first leg against Arsenal, he Pellegrini. ‘But if I was continuing turning up. We’ve been together a enjoy it because they’re beasts. But asked, you’re the same as all the like to play blanked him at the Ballon d’Or last be bitter; the world is already over? It’s unlikely. ran seven miles. Only three team- next year I would also have the long time now and we need to at Barcelona it’s not enough just to rest. I have never wanted to be the January as the two lined up for the bitter enough.’ A career as a coach mates covered more ground, so it same desire for the club to be as improve.’ be a beast of a player.’ is ruled out but with doesn’t look like it’s all over for same as all the rest.’ team of the year photograph. Maybe it’s easier to whistle while high as they can. Midfielder Yaya Toure has told In Barca’s 2-0 first-leg victory Perhaps Pep Guardiola could in England’ In the build-up, Alves had said: ‘I you work when you are a hand- model girlfriend, Joana him just yet. And he’s looking against Sanchez and Co at the unleash him on English football? ‘I still think he (Ronaldo) is displaying somely rewarded footballer? But he Sanz — who he whisked off to ahead to the rest of the season ‘For me, leaving at the end of the friends he doesn’t want to move Emirates, Alves showed all the same don’t think he’d call me,’ Alves a lot of quality but that’s the has an answer for that, too. Venice last week when given a few with relish. season and not leaving at the end abroad if he leaves City at the end verve that made Roman Abramov- says laughing. blown away by his ability to make problem when you are too much ‘People think that the fact that I days’ break by Barcelona boss Luis ‘Some people say there is not the of the season are exactly the of the season. ich want to sign him for Chelsea in He was Pep’s first signing in 2008 great players press for 90 minutes. the protagonist. When the team am well paid is the reason that I do Enrique — he could pursue his fluidity of old in our play but the same. I feel the same Toure, 32, has one year left on his 2007. With his 33rd birthday around and they certainly share a philoso- ‘The first person to apply the wins they always talk about you so the things I do, but it’s not true. interest in fashion. He is more sure games that we used to struggle to responsibility, the same desire to contract and is waiting to see if he the corner in May, is it too late for phy. He says of the team talk before pressure was our best player, Messi,’ when you lose, you take the blame.’ ‘Sometimes, I think I was happier of how his career will end than win because we were not 100 per continue further in the Champions is wanted under new coach him to play in England? the 2011 European Cup final win he says of the team that won 2011’s That ‘too much the protagonist’ growing up in the countryside with what he’ll do when it does. cent now we win those matches. League. So I don’t think that one Guardiola. If not, he would prefer Champions League at Wembley. ‘This team has character, it has ‘I don’t know when, but I would over Manchester United: ‘The only line upset Ronaldo and neither was my dad. It was a more natural ‘I will decide when it’s time. Don’t thing is linked with the other one. to stay in the Barclays Premier like to play there — to experience thing that he asked us to do was When guessing games were played he too pleased when Alves said existence. Now everyone is on their expect news reports saying, “Dani balls, it is ready for any challenge.’ what I have seen so many times attack. It was the only way to beat about why Guardiola left, Alves’s Neymar deserved to finish ahead of phone, no-one talks to anyone, announces that this will be his last Barcelona v Arsenal in the It doesn’t matter what happens at League. The City midfielder is from the sofa at home,’ he says. such a strong opponent.’ name was mentioned among a group him on the Ballon d’Or podium. they’re all looking down (at social season”. One day I’ll just say, “That’s Champions League last-16 second the end of the season.’ aware of interest from China and ‘The way the people experience He is proud of his attacking that the coach felt he could no longer When Ronaldo was asked about networks) to see what people are it”.’ So tomorrow, suddenly, he’ll be leg is on BT Sport Europe Pellegrini has already taken City Inter Milan but his family are football in England. The way there reputation but defends his own manage, but he seems genuinely big the comment, he said: ‘People talk saying about them.’ So will he go gone then? ‘What’s your hurry?’ he tomorrow from 7pm (kick-off 7.45). into unmapped territory by settled in England.
http://goo.gl/KyFA6i