Tuesday 7th February 2012

Alves: Valencia must be near-perfect

Alves: Valencia must be near-perfect

Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves has called for his team to put on a near-perfect showing in their upcoming Copa del Rey fixture at the Camp Nou.

The Brazilian is aware that overcoming the away goal disadvantage Valencia currently face will require total concentration from everyone on the pitch. 

"We will fight right up to the final seconds and will leave everything on the pitch, [we have to] be near-perfect in order to achieve success." he said to valenciacf.com.

"We don't know what will happen, as Barcelona's style and aggression leads to many chances over the course of ninety minutes. People seem to think that things are going badly for Barça, but that isn't the case. They are still the best team in the world,"

Alves was vital in keeping their Catalan opposition at bay during the first leg, successfully saving a Lionel Messi penalty. The custodian is not eager to face the mercurial playmaker from the spot again.

"I don't want penalties! They are dead ball specialists and have surprised ourselves and Real Madrid on the back post from crosses, so we will have to be alert from those too." the goalkeeper shared.

Valencia's previous game took place away on Sunday, while Barcelona entertained their opposition at home on Saturday. However, the Brazilian refused to entertain the notion that the fixture calendar has put them at a disadvantage going into the cup match. 

"Negativity doesn't feature in our plans. We want to get the best out of the team this Wednesday in order to continue in the competition," he said.

"That's the way the calendar is, and you just have to accept it, there is a game on Wednesday and the excitement that we have will eliminate any fatigue from previous games."

Alves' teammate Adil Rami also reflected similiar sentiments, insisting that his side won't be intimidated by the reigning European and world champions.

He said:"They are the favourites, but we have a strong case for changing this.They are the best team in the world, but we have two games [drawn] against them and I think that we can beat them. We aren't scared."

Barcelona and Valencia will battle it out for a place in the Copa del Rey finals this Wednesday night.


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