PSG closer to Champions League glory ―Dani Alves

Dani Alves has said Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are closer to Champions League glory than many people think.

Speaking to Marca, the Brazil international suggested last season’s second consecutive round-of-16 exit — this time at the hands of Real Madrid — has prompted changes for the better in the French capital.

“To achieve the goal that PSG wants is not so complicated,” Alves said. “However, you need different things. You need to do different things, with a different spirit and have a different mentality.

“This year I have a good feeling, things are improving here, and they are doing well on the pitch — there are things that are changing, and people are understanding a bit of what this game is about.”

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PSG changed coach over the summer with Thomas Tuchel replacing Unai Emery and Alves, 35, has been majorly impressed by the German since his arrival.

“I love the coach,” Alves said. “He has an incredible spirit and has changed many things here regarding team spirit and mentality.

“We have a great challenge ahead of us against great rivals, but we accept it and prepare ourselves for it. We know that in order to qualify, we have to improve. For example, with what we do in Ligue 1.”

Alves is recuperating from surgery on a knee injury that abruptly ended his debut campaign with PSG and ruled him out of the World Cup in Russia.

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“I am fine,” Alves added. “It was the hardest moment of my career but at the same time the most challenging. I have been playing for 20 years and I have never had something similar happen. At the same time, it was painful — I have missed important things. Life is testing me, perhaps, so I will try to respond as I always have and try to return to my best.”

Alves is still some way off in his recovery, but he is expected to be back in action before the end of 2018.