André Jardine, Brazil’s Olympic coach, approved Barça’s decision to attempt the play-off of Dani Alves, who along with the coach won the gold in the recent Tokyo Games. “This possible signing does not surprise me, since I spoke with him during the Games and he already told me that he had that wish,” he confirmed to All Costa de Cartalunya Radio Jardine, who nevertheless warned that the 38-year-old Alves “has changed his way of playing” compared to how he performed in the past. “I credit that Dani has the level to currently play at Barça, although he was modified as a player. Now he is more static, more positional, not like in the great years of Barça. He is in functions that do not demand so much in depth, but as more positional and conservative winger is still one of the best in that demarcation, “he added.
The positive contribution of Alves could be verified by Jardine during the Olympic Games. “With young people his influence was fantastic, his leadership was formidable. He became a key player, the most important for knowing the ways of success. He knew how to lead in situations of great pressure,” he said. For Jardine, there is no doubt about Alves’ form. “In training, in the locker room … he takes great care of himself physically, always setting an example,” he stressed.
Jardine confirmed that Alves’ goal is to fully reach the next World Cup. “He is very focused on reaching the World Cup in Qatar. He is the type of player who when he has a goal in his head achieves it,” he said.
The unifying role is another advantage of having Alves on a squad. “Dani has very clearly in his head the reasons for success, group work, teamwork, mentality. He is already head of coach, to lead and take care of the winning and positive conscience at all times. Because he is perfect in his behavior outside from the field, “he concluded.
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