Alves blames squad for Guardiola exit

Barcelona’s Dani Alves believes former manager Pep Guardiola left the club because the players were no longer responding to him.

In four years at the Nou Camp, Guardiola became the most successful coach in Catalan history as he led his side to three straight La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and two UEFA Champions League titles before he resigned earlier this year.

Guardiola made the move to step down as coach after his side lost out to Spanish rivals Real Madrid in the league, and Alves said he blames himself and his team-mates for the tactician’s departure.

“Pep said that he would only leave when we were no longer responding to him,” Alves said in an interview with Le Buteur.

“We did not respond to him on the field as he would have liked and this is why the players feel responsible for his departure.”

The Brazil international also spoke of highly rated compatriot Neymar, and he believes a move to Barcelona would benefit the 20-year old.

“The difference between Messi and Neymar is that Messi plays in Europe, while Neymar is still in Brazil,” Alves said.

“Even without tactical discpline, what is important for a team is having players with maturity and a sense of responsibility.

“To further his career, Neymar must come to Europe and preferably to Barcelona.”