Daniel Alves has spoken of Barcelona's transformation since his New Year return.

The veteran fullback has been outstanding since his return from Sao Paulo.

He told Sport: "The mood has changed. At Barça you have to come to work thinking you have the best job in the world. That you must suffer during the week to be able to enjoy the games. The only thing we've done is make the squad understand that if we don't pedal now, when are we going to? We have to get excited every day. If we don't sweat for it, it's bad.

"I found myself in a locker room with low self-esteem for whatever reason. You can't perform at your best if you don't believe in yourself. It is very important to feel that you are more 'handsome', more 'interesting' than the next guy. It is a mental issue. When the mind is weak, what comes from the outside can destroy you. Why can't I be today what I was in the past? I can be much more, even."

On Xavi, Alves added: "One of the things that I like the most is that even in the coaching staff there are two blocks, one more experienced and the other younger.

"This combination is necessary to maintain a tradition and, at the same time, for the young people to start the revolution. You don't have to rush the process, it has to be something natural. This is not a 100 metre sprint, this is a marathon. It is harmony, balance, and respect."