Dani Alves has blasted Manchester City as a team “built on big transfer fees” ahead of tonight’s Champions League last 16 match at the Etihad.
The Brazilian full back can expect a frosty reception from the Manchester crowd after stating that City can’t become the next Barça.
Alves, speaking to Marca, was blunty honest in his assessment of tonight’s opponents, despite himself costing quite a bit to move to the Camp Nou from Sevilla in 2008.
He said: “City have good players – but they will never be Barcelona. They are a modern football club built on big transfer fees – but at Barcelona there is a history and class that dates back a long way.
“So much of Barcelona’s success is because of players who have come through the club’s youth system, La Masia, and I think ideally that is what every football club wants to achieve.”
The 30-year-old was complimentary of City’s players though, even if most cost a fortune to bring to the Etihad.
He does believe that the Premier League side will give Barcelona two tough games but insists no Barça player will be targetting a draw tonight.
“We know we have a big test coming up against Manchester City – and we expect two very tough games,” admitted Alves.
“They have very good international players in every position – and we will need to play well if we are to progress in a competition that means so much to everybody at Barcelona.
“They are not easy to beat in Manchester – but not one Barcelona player will be thinking about getting a draw. We will play to win.”
