09.03.2009 14:04
Keita: “OL is the side that has made it most difficult for us”
Anna Segura
Seydou Keita knows that Wednesday’s match is a key moment of the season. The Malian international considers Olympique Lyon to have been the toughest team the side has faced this season.
After securing passage to the Copa del Rey final, Barça now have another nervy night as they face
Olympique Lyon in a bid to keep their Champions League aspirations alive. Even though it is only
his first season here, Seydou Keita appreciates what an important night it is for the club.
A key match
The Barça star knows there is a lot hanging on the outcome, and now that his team can afford
to put their Cops del Rey thoughts aside for a while, this game “is very important both for
us and the club”.
Difficult opponent
Keita found Olympique a tough opponent in the first leg.
“It is the side that has made things hardest for us until now. They are a good team, the best
in France, and it’ll be dangerous game for us”.
Give it everything
Olympique Lyon might be strong, but the Malian knows he and his team mates “will do
everything we can to win.” What’s most important “is ourselves and not thinking
too much about Benzema and Olympique Lyon”. He added that “if we play well, we’ll
win the match”.
Eto'o and the fans
Keita also had words for his colleague Samuel Eto'o:
“I think he’s fine. He is a goalscorer and always wants to get goals.” He has not
forgotten the way the Cameroonian connected with the crowd against Athletic: “I thought the
crowd were fantastic with Samuel” he said.
No worry about competition
With Andrés Iniesta back from injury, getting a place in the Barça midfield is no easy
matter. But Keita doesn’t think that’s a problem and is just happy that Iniesta is
back. “It is good for the team, and I hope he can stay away from injuries until the end of
the season … I don’t think it is any more difficult to get to play. There are lots of
games and the boss will make the changes. The important thing for me is to be ready to play. Then
it’s down to the manager to decide”.