Barcelona vs Real Sociedad preview - Barca still world's best - Alves

Posted Sunday, August 19, 2012 by PA

Barcelona begin their efforts to reclaim the La Liga title against Real Sociedad on Sunday with defender Dani Alves insisting they are still the side to beat.

The match marks Tito Vilanova's first game in charge of the Catalan giants and he will face a difficult task in replicating the success of his predecessor Pep Guardiola, who won 14 trophies in four years at the helm

There has been little summer recruitment for Barcelona thus far with Jordi Alba the only real first-team addition, the left-back arriving in an 18million euros transfer from Valencia.

Real Madrid usurped Barca as champions last season but Alves believes the Nou Camp side are still the premier team.

Alves said: "We are still the team to beat because we are still the best team in the world.

"We send a little message to the other teams: This year we are going all out."

Neither is the Brazilian concerned about Guardiola's absence, saying: "Continuity is assured with Tito, Pep was great here but he had help from our current coach."

Real Sociedad will be looking to improve on last season's 12th-placed finish.

They have only won three times at the Camp Nou but there is an optimism the side can build on last season.

Coach Philippe Montanier has strengthened the first team this summer with the signing of left-back Jose Angel on loan from Roma and the permanent signing of Carlos Vela from Arsenal.

Montanier said: "Barcelona will dominate the game in terms of possession with the collective and individual quality they have. But in football anything is possible and we will explore our options to try and get a good result.

"It is Tito Vilanova's first game in charge and they will play the most football. Our aim is to make this a good game and take advantage of every opportunity we create."