FCBARCELONA.CAT

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”.