The Brazil international says that Manuel Pellegrini’s side would also have preferred to avoid the Catalans in the Champions League last 16 but admits that City are also not ideal opponents.
Dani Alves believes Barcelona have nothing to be afraid of in their Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City on Tuesday night.
The 30-year-old has a wealth of experience in the competition. He won the Champions League with Barca in 2009 and 2011 and has also played in semi-final defeats to Inter, Chelsea and Bayern Munich in 2010, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Unlike previous competitions, the Catalan outfit are not favourites to win Europe’s top club competition and even some of the players admitted prior to the draw for the last 16 that they had hoped to avoid City.
“That’s the beautiful thing about football – it throws up situations like these,” Alves told the website Goal. “It gives you the chance to show what you’re capable of.”
“And while some didn’t want to play against City, I am sure that many at City didn’t want to face Barca. So we’re even on that. Now we have to make sure things go our way on the pitch.”
The full-back is convinced that Barca are up to the challenge.
“This team has won everything,” he added. “We have won so much. Football throws up great challenges like this and those who are not ready for them fall by the wayside.”
“We are going to go out there to compete, to play our best, and whoever deserves to go through will make it to the next round. Let’s hope it’s us.”
“In the Champions League, you always have to beat the best anyway.”
