5:34 AM
Happy new year 2012
Barcelona striker David Villa has admitted his first season at the Nou Camp has been far from smooth-sailing.
The Spain international joined Barca at the start of the season from Valencia, and was expected to flourish with the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta supporting him.
However, despite netting eighteen goals in 34 La Liga appearances, Villa failed to truly fire on all cylinders, and endured a mini-goal drought at the back end of the season.
The 29-year-old concedes the problems that arise from trying to fit in at a new club has hampered his progress.
"There is a lot more pressure to perform that I imagined when I signed for the club," Villa said to El Pais.
While Villa has spent much of his career as the focal point in attack, he has often been shunted to the wings this season, having to play second fiddle to Lionel Messi.
The ex-Valencia man admits having to adapt to a new role resulted in him taking even longer to start firing at the Nou Camp.
"It was a real challenge for me to integrate into this team.
"I had to play differently than ever before in my career, but I am quite satisfied with the way things have gone."
Villa also paid tribute to the influence exerted on the team by coach Pep Guardiola.
"I remember that I once read that Dani Alves said he'd jump out of a window if Guardiola asked him to.
"That says it all.
"He is a coach who always seems to know what a player needs and makes exactly that happen."
Despite being six years older than Pedro Rodriguez, Villa also admitted he has learnt a lot from his younger team-mate.
"I have learnt a lot by just watching Pedro play.
"He has been an example to follow for me on the pitch."
Villa and Pedro were both members of the Spain national team that went on to claim Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
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