Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has reacted to Dani Alves’ comments this week that the club did not deny he was for sale over the summer.
The Brazilian defender was the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain and was upset at what he perceived to be the lack of a formal denial on the part of La Blaugrana.
“There was never any discussion. If I knew Dani felt like that then I would have called him to reassure him.
“I can’t remember a right-back who has had so much impact on the game of football,” said Vilanova after his side’s 2-1 friendly win over Hamburg on Tuesday.
The German Press was also interested to know what will happen this season with regard to Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid, and if Vilanova would defend his players with the same vehemence as did his predecessor Pep Guardiola.
“I do not know what will happen in the future. I am the Coach of Barcelona and I will defend the club, but the most important thing is the players,” he answered.
Asked about the futures of Ibrahim Afellay and Gerard Deulofeu, who have both recently been linked with moves away from the Camp Nou, Vilanova insisted the pair would remain at the club.
“Afellay is a quality player. We are counting on him and there are no plans for him to leave.
“Deulofeu has great potential but he is a Barcelona B player. If he makes good progress he could make it into the first team, but it depends on him.”
