Alves slams Real over Kaka impasse

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has hit out at Real Madrid for their treatment of Kaka, saying the Brazilian would be more valued at Camp Nou.

Former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka has struggled to secure a starting place and consistent playing time since joining Real in 2009, with injury setbacks playing a major role.

The 30-year-old was widely linked with a move back to AC Milan in the close season, and Alves is adamant that his compatriot should have departed the Santiago Bernabeu.

“If I were Kaka, I would have left Real Madrid a long time ago,” Alves told Esporte Interactivo.

“Because in my life, I love playing football, and if you take away from me what I love, I lose my sense of life. I am sad because I admire Kaka and I would not like to live through what is happening to him.

“He made it to where very few have – the best in the world, and now he has no respect from their owners. I think he would not be going through this situation at Barcelona.”

The 29-year-old then went on to voice his admiration for former coach Pep Guardiola, who left the Camp Nou dug-out to take a break from coaching.

“Guardiola is the best coach I’ve had, the most complete, someone that you learn something from everyday,” Alves said.

“That’s the difference with other coaches. He says: ‘trust me and we will win the game’. So I admire him because he is a coach that can convince you that his is the way to win.”