AS.com

Brazilian full-back Dani Alves has stated that football has taken a back seat at Barcelona in light of the current predicament of coach Tito Vilanova, who underwent an operation on a new tumour on his parotid gland last week.

In an interview with the newspaper 'O Estado de Sao Paulo', the player said of Vilanova: "We're here to help him in any way he needs. For that reason, every time we win it'll be dedicated to him. Football is a secondary issue right now, because he's fighting for his life."

Alves also praised the "impressive" league season which Barcelona are enjoying this year, a campaign in which the club has posted the best start in La Liga history with 49 out of a possible 51 points. They hold a lead of nine points over Atlético Madrid and a 16-point advantage over arch rivals Real Madrid, who languish in third place.

"It's a big gap, but we can't let it go to our heads. There are many matches for us still to play and the league is far from over", he said. Alves also spoke of his "happiness" at the contract extensions signed by Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández and Carles Puyol. "I'm very pleased about it and I hope I can keep on enjoying great moments at this club."