Barcelona defender Dani Alves has said that his team's last season success is working against them this year.
Barcelona's recent performances have come in for some harsh criticicm. Dutch legend Johann Cryuff recently said that some players in the squad are not up to scratch and the team is not learning from its mistakes.
To make matters worse, the Catalans lost their pole position in La Liga after their draw against Almeria saw rivals Real Madrid move top on goal difference.
Alves is of the opinion that other teams, mindful of Barca's success last seson, come to the Nou Camp with a defensive mindset.
In comments reported by Marca, Alves said: We are slaves to last season and now opponents come to us to defend. We never lose our essence. Teams come here with care, but we are looking for the best ways to beat them."
The right-back admitted that Barcelona's own performances have not been as good in 2009/10.
"We have to recover our form as we are entering a difficult time in the season. We know what we are capable of doing.
"It is more mental than physical. It is difficult to create chances when they are withdrawing in defence. When we play better, we have fun and we have to have that mental strength because it is only in that way that we will do well in the end."
However, Alves does not consider Real to be the leaders in La Liga yet.
"I do not consider Real Madrid to be leaders" in La Liga since "the return fixture has not yet been played".
"Without a doubt Barcelona are favourites. If they [Madrid] want to be champions, they need to prove it," concluded the star.
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