Barcelona fullback Daniel Alves says they're favourites for the Spanish Liga title.

Real Madrid usurped Barca as champions last season but Alves believes the Nou Camp side are still the premier team.

Alves said: "We are still the team to beat because we are still the best team in the world.

"We send a little message to the other teams: This year we are going all out."

Neither is the Brazilian concerned about Guardiola's absence, saying: "Continuity is assured with Tito, Pep was great here but he had help from our current coach."