Dani Alves (seen here when we were in Barcelona!) recently gave an interview to FIFA where he spoke about playing for Brazil – and this weekend’s crucial game against Man United. Here are a few quotes worth reproducing from this man who has gained more haters (!) than he has supporters this season.
Guardiola is a sensational guy. When he was a player he already behaved like a coach out on the pitch: he used to boss the team. He’s a very reasonable man, he knows the players well and knows exactly what they need. We know that he’s always on our side. Soon after I joined we had a conversation that had a big impact on me. He called me over and said: ‘I don’t want you to change the way you play’. And of course he mentioned one or two things that I could work on, but he also told me ‘not to worry. Keep playing the way you’ve always played, because that’s why we signed you.’ That kind of thing gives a player a real boost. And even now, thanks in large part to him, I know that I still keep getting better.
“I’m tremendously proud to know that both Dunga and Mano rate me as a player. Now, fortunately, I’ve been getting a run of games in the starting XI. I really enjoyed my time under Dunga but that was something which was lacking. The thing is, when it comes to A Seleção, what role you play doesn’t matter: I just want to help, to be involved and to contribute to the team’s success.”
via FIFA/Photos by Futbolita & Reuters
