Alves 'certain Barcelona will be champions'

FC Barcelona right-back Daniel Alves has had to deal with the disappointment of being suspended for the UEFA Champions League final, but he is sure he will soon have reason to celebrate as he looks ahead to Wednesday's showdown against Manchester United FC. "I am certain Barcelona are going to be champions," the 26-year-old Brazilian international says in this Q&A with uefa.com readers.

Was there ever a point in the semi-final against Chelsea when the team were panicking about reaching the final, especially with time running out and you being a goal behind?
Fedon, 18, Greece

Daniel Alves: Yes, we obviously had doubts. But we couldn't be knocked out of the competition by a team that only had one shot on goal. It would have been very unfair. I think faith eventually conquered all the doubts – we believed until the end we could find a way out of the situation. Our coach is a very positive man; he made us believe. And in the end we had our reward.

Will the final be difficult to watch given your suspension?
Wojciech Zdrojkowski

Alves: It is very difficult missing any game, let alone a game like this one. It is such a prestigious final. But I have to accept it and be happy that our team is in the final. I am certain Barcelona are going to be champions and hopefully I won't suffer much watching from the stands.

What will your role be in Rome?
Jérémy Ravet, Provence

Alves: I will be just another squad member, as if I was going to play. The ritual is the same, the routines will be similar. The difference is I won't be in the dressing room when the time comes. But you know, there's no need to say anything to any of the players. In a game like that, motivation is already high.

Do you think the final will be an open game? And does United's attack concern you more than Chelsea's did?
Christopher Mendes, 36, Trinidad, West Indies

Alves: I don't think it is going to be an open game, as people are saying. I guess United will be cautious and not as offensive as they've been throughout the season. They are going to respect Barcelona. Last year, at Camp Nou, they showed they know how to play defensively. Hopefully, it is going to be a very beautiful and attacking game, but I personally don't believe it is going to happen.

How does it feel to have won the league and Copa del Rey in your first season at the club?
Jack Whitty, Ireland

Alves: After everything we've done, it is a reward. When the season started we had some difficulties. You never know if things are going to work out or not; there are always doubts. The trophies show we've found our way and it is amazing to win the domestic double in my first year here.

What has been your personal high point this season?
David Kelly, Sydney

Alves: It is impossible to choose one. The season has been awesome – very, very positive.

Why have Barcelona struggled against English teams recently?
Prodosh Sen, 38, India

Alves: Because English sides are physically stronger and they play very different football compared to the teams we usually play against.

How did you develop such a great rapport with Lionel Messi?
Josh Son, 17, Fairfax, Virginia

Alves: He is a fantastic player on the pitch. And off the pitch he is a very humble boy, a very straightforward person. That makes it easy. Sometimes we meet up in our free time, do something together, have a chat. Messi is very shy and he likes to keep a distance from most people. You have to respect that. On the pitch, it is the easiest thing to combine with him – he is a marvellous player.

There are a lot of fans in Kazakhstan who support big European clubs, especially Barcelona. How does it feel to know people in far away regions are supporting you?
Aleksandr, 22, Kazakhstan

Alves: It is tough to have an exact idea, but impossible to ignore. Yes, everybody who loves football will stop and watch the game on Wednesday. Hopefully we will give people in many different places, including Kazakhstan, reason to smile. Thanks a lot for the support.

Who is the most dangerous player you have faced?
Tom Dodds, Philadelphia

Alves: I've faced too many. I would have to spend the whole day here telling you names and more names.

As a right-back myself, could you tell me the secret to being a success in that position?
Cheng, 19, Netherlands

Alves: The secret is balance. In Europe it is a more defensive position, while in Brazil we learn to play offensively. I think Cafu and Roberto Carlos opened doors. They made people look differently at our position and see that a right or left-back can do much more than just defend. When I arrived in Seville, people thought I was useless because I couldn't play defensively all the time. My coach then, Joaquín Caparrós, helped me a lot in learning positioning and gave me the freedom to develop my game. I think I've also been helping to change the concept of the position here in Europe.

Who did you idolise when you were a child?
Pavel Sedov, 25, Moscow, Russia

Alves: Cafu. Many people look at strikers, but I think a defender can be as important as a striker.

Who is your best friend at the club?
Shane Whitehouse, Ireland

Alves: Sylvinho, because he is Brazilian, we speak the same language and he is a brilliant guy.

Will there be any special plan to stop Cristiano Ronaldo in the final?
Loenard Mbaya, Ivory Coast

Alves: No, I don't think so. We have to be careful about their whole team. They are not a one-man side.

What is the difference between life in Seville and life in Catalonia?
Ahmed Gaber, 22, Egypt

Alves: Basically, the beach. In Seville, people are more open, more similar to Brazilians. It gets very hot there during the summer. In Catalonia people are less open compared to Andalusia, but I've got the beach minutes away from home! That is an advantage, for sure.

What do you do to relax and switch off from football?
John Smith, London

Alves: I spend time with my kids at home. They are three and one and it is a great age to play with them and have fun.