Spain full-back Jordi Alba has claimed that the team are still hungry for titles, despite completing an historic treble at Euro 2012.
La Roja won their third consecutive international tournament in Poland and Ukraine just two months ago, adding to the winners' medals collected at the 2010 World Cup and 2008 European Championships.
But ahead of their opening qualifier against Georgia, the Barcelona youngster has insisted Vincente del Bosque's squad are desperate for another major trophy at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“The Euro was my first title, but a lot of my colleagues have won a lot with this team and still have the hunger to win more,” Alba told Mundo Deportivo. “This is a great generation of players, and we are still very young. The young players haven't been with the team as long, but we still have the same desire to win.”
The 23-year-old then commented on qualification group I, and the threat posed by France in particular.
“They will be tough opponents, but the other teams are there for a reason. We are the champions, so everyone wants to beat us.”
The defender, who joined the Blaugrana from Valencia in the summer, then remarked on how he has settled in at Camp Nou, and his ambitions for the season.
“I knew a lot of the players already and have adapted well. I spent seven years at the club as a youngster, so I am very happy to come home. Valencia was a great opportunity to grow as a player, but being at the best team in the world, with my family and friends is helping a lot.
“Barcelona will always be favourites, whatever competition we enter, but there are many more teams that have the same chance of winning as well. We are working hard, and hopefully we can win many titles.
“I just want to play as much as possible. The competition in the squad is great, I'm aware of that. I'm just counting on the coach to give me minutes and a regular place in the team.”
Alba was also full of praise for new Coach Tito Vilanova and teammate Lionel Messi.
“I did not know him personally when I came here, but I've found out he's a hard working Coach, who helps you in every way possible. He is very close to the players. I am very happy that Tito is my Coach. He helps a lot in all aspects.
“Messi does things that nobody can do, be it at Barcelona or elsewhere. But I'm used to it now. Everyone at the club is great though. There people who would do anything for the shirt, go anywhere. I've just been impressed by the club's greatness.”
