Pep Guardiola, Barcelona Has New Priorities: Dani Alves and Keita

The UEFA Champions League semifinal’s second leg clash against Inter Milan at the Camp Nou might have a great significance for every single member of the Barcelona football club.

But coach Pep Guardiola also has new things to worry about: the deals of Dani Alves and Seydou Keita.

The two former Sevilla stars were both transferred into FC Barcelona during the take-over of the Catalan club by Guardiola.

The Brazilian fullback and the Malian midfield expert have both appeared to transform themselves into new icons among the Blaugrana, although Alves might seem a bit more energetic than his African club mate.

Having appreciated the impressive contributions of both football aces for Barca in the 2008-09 season, when they helped the Spanish giants to clinch six cups in quick succession, clubs from diverse countries have now expressed their interests in the players.

Premier League teams Chelsea and Manchester City have already conveyed their desires to land Alves in England, while unknown sides have confirmed their intentions to steal Keita from Barcelona.

However, Guardiola does not look pleased with the current situation harming his two treasuries, and he has therefore declared that he would do anything in his power to tie his boys even harder to the Azulgranas.

Guardiola on the right path to keeping Dani Alves

Dani Alves’ present deal expires in 2012, but with still almost two years to go under his contract, impatience has already pushed other clubs to court him.

Alves’ total amount of salary is said to be relatively smaller than Lionel Messi’s, yet, Guardiola believes that he is one of the most talented footballers on the planet.

For that particular reason, the Spanish manager hasn’t stopped putting pressure on the club’s directors to renew the contract of the Brazilian defender, in order to reward him according to his level of skills and maturity on the field.

An increased salary with more years guaranteed will probably release Alves from the very few temptations he has been facing lately through the persuasions of relentless studying football agents.

Playing time has never been an issue for the 2009 Confederations Cup winner, as he has always been included in the Catalan’s line-up as a starter.

As a result of his positive physical condition, Alves has habitually been playing the full 90 minutes of Barcelona’s encounters, and thus, he should normally reject any argument trying to detach him from his happiness at Barca.

No replacement for Keita

Seydou Keita has had less playing time for Barcelona in La Liga this season than his teammate Dani Alves.

However, with 19 starts, six goals, and two assists, the Malian ace has quite a lot to boast of, especially when it comes to balancing his achievements with his position on the field.

Keita has managed to maintain his place in the team despite the emergence of players such as Maxwell and many others, but he has time and again been linked with moves to other clubs from different leagues.

Certainly, it is not the absence of Keita which will cause the destruction Barcelona’s midfield, seeing that the Blaugrana have other replacements in Yaya Toure, Sergi Busquets, Andres Iniesta, and Maxwell.

In view of such a benefit in the Barcelona squad, Guardiola could well allow Keita to leave his club to explore outer challenges.

But surely, the winning spirit within the Barcelona team is strong enough to bind the former Sevilla talisman to the Champions League title holders.

In any case, Pep has categorically refused to let him depart, having asked Barca’s superiors to review and improve Keita’s current deal.

The transfer saga related to Keita and Alves now troubling Pep Guardiola could seem tormenting to fervent Barcelona fans too.

However, they can be assured that the mental strength of the Catalans will not give space to any distracting issue ahead of their battle against Inter Milan on the evening of April 28.