Dani Alves' clear demand to Barcelona teammates following Europa League draw

FC Barcelona full-back Dani Alves has conceded there are some pre-match jitters ahead of his second debut for the Catalan giants, having re-joined the club last month after six years away.

The Brazilian opted for a second spell with a club so close to his heart in a bid to help as Barcelona endure the most turbulent chapter of their recent modern history.

After sacking Ronald Koeman after an ill-fated 15-month spell at the helm, the Barcelona board opted for another former player as his replacement in the form of midfield legend Xavi Hernandez.

Languishing as low as eighth in the La Liga table after 16 games played, the Blaugrana have failed to win in 10 of those contests - in turn, leading to them being cast adrift of long-time rivals and league leaders Real Madrid by a staggering 18 points.

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Things have hardly fared much better on the European stage, with Barcelona losing half of their six group games in the Champions League - mostly under Koeman, becoming the first Barcelona side to crash out at the group stage since the squad of 2000/01 two decades ago.

As a result, the La Liga titans and five-time Champions League winners will now participate in UEFA's second-rate competition the Europa League.

The draw for the knock-out stages has already been made and Alves has conceded progression will not be as easy as his side take on Serie A giants Napoli.

"I think we have to accept any kind of challenge," Alves explained.

"We have to play in the Europa League and whenever we put on the Barcelona shirt, we are representing their history and we have to do it for the greatness of the club, regardless of the competition you face.

"Even when you play rock, paper or scissors, you have to win if you put on the Barcelona shirt."

Alves is gearing up to make his Barcelona debut for the second time for a friendly match played in Saudi Arabia in honour of Diego Maradona, out of La Liga duty until January at the earliest when he can be registered officially.

Speaking ahead of his first game, he said: "I am nervous after being away from this club for so long, and not being able to play, being here and defending the club and the team.

"The moment and the most important challenge of my career arrived because of the club's situation. The challenges are for those who do not fear them. We will try to do our best for this badge.

"Playing is always special, wherever it is. I have a very good relationship with many people here.

"It is about honouring one of the greatest [legends] of the club and that is special."