Dani Alves is able to start “an important problem” of his profession when he makes his second debut for Barcelona in Tuesday’s exhibition match with Boca Juniors.
The 38-year-old re-joined the membership on a free switch final month following his departure from Sao Paulo in September over a contractual dispute.
Alves, who performed 391 occasions for Barca in his first trophy-laden spell at Camp Nou, can’t be formally registered for the Catalan giants till the January switch window opens.
Nevertheless, the Brazil worldwide is in line to signify Blaugrana on Tuesday once they face Argentine giants Boca Juniors within the Maradona Cup in Riyadh.
Talking at a pre-match information convention on the eve of the pleasant, Alves stated: “I’m feeling nervous after not with the ability to play and signify the membership for therefore lengthy.
“An important problem of my profession has come, due to how the state of affairs occurred and the place the membership is in.
“However challenges are for many who don’t worry them. We’ll all do our greatest for this membership and for this badge.”
Alves received 23 trophies in eight seasons with Barca earlier than departing in 2016 for spells with Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo, the place he spent two years.
The membership the veteran full-back has returned to 5 years on is a good distance off competing for main honours.
Barca exited the Champions League on the group stage final week and are eighth in LaLiga after 16 matches, however Alves is hopeful he may help the Catalans return to the highest.
“We’re used to seeing Barcelona on the high however we all know there’s an issue,” he stated. “We can’t conceal from it, however as a substitute search for an answer as quickly as attainable.
“After I arrived the primary time a change needed to be made. The state of affairs is completely different nevertheless it’s performed and we’ll write a brand new chapter to get Barca the place they’re used to.
“Now we have to get well the successful feeling as a result of we stay for successful. Now we have to vary the streak. In soccer, there are good and unhealthy streaks, although that is lasting a bit longer.”
Barca have named a 28-man group for the assembly in opposition to Boca, with Alves joined by the likes of Gerard Pique, Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho and different first-team stars.
Xavi: “Salaam alaikum, tomorrow shall be a great check” pic.twitter.com/MkKT09j1a4
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 13, 2021
The timing of the sport, with league matches in opposition to Elche and Sevilla to come back over the following eight days, has raised questions.
However whereas Xavi accepts the gap travelled is just not supreme, he believes you will need to respect Maradona, who died from a coronary heart assault aged 60 final November.
“These are membership circumstances and is one thing that was beforehand agreed,” he instructed reporters in Saudi Arabia. “For us it’s an honour to be right here representing Barcelona.
“We’re paying homage to the most effective gamers in historical past. It’s an honour and a privilege and it is going to be an emotional event.”
Hinting at adjustments to the facet that began the 2-2 draw with Osasuna on Sunday, Xavi added: “Will probably be a check for the gamers that don’t often play and an opportunity to see gamers that haven’t performed a lot. We wish to be at our greatest.”