Dani Alves: Martino has given Barcelona back the intensity we missed last year

The Brazilian defender is confident that the Blaugrana will be successful under the Argentine, who has succeeded Tito Vilanova at the helm.

Daniel Alves has heaped praise on new Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino and claims that the Argentine has brought back the intensity that the Catalans were missing last season.

Martino replaced Tito Vilanova at the helm this summer following the latter's decision to step down due to his ongoing health issues and Alves is confident that the Blaugrana will do great things under the Argentine.

"Tata Martino is a good coach," the attacking full back told his club's official website. "He’s given us that intensity that we perhaps lost over the years. With this spirit we will be able to once again do great things.

"The fans can get excited about this team because the players are ready to give it their all."

Barcelona, which has routed Valerenga (7-0) and Santos (8-0), in preseason, kicking off the defense of its Liga crown against Levante at Camp Nou on August 18.