FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.12.2009 14:51

Keita: "We have to be strong"

Jesús Carrillo

Seydou Keita has revealed that FC Barcelona's expectations of the new season have become reality as the team has found thing much harder after winning the treble last term.

"Everything is more difficult this year," the Mali midfielder told a press conference. "The other teams want to beat us, but that is normal. We have had to be stronger both mentally and physically as all the other sides prepare themselves even more carefully before playing us. They do their homework more thoroughly. Working harder than they do is the solution for us this season."

Moving clear

After beating Xerez in midweek Barça moved five points clear at the top. "Everything is fine," he continued. "We won and it is important given our circumstances. It is impossible to play well in every game and because of that taking three points is a must. It will not the best last game like that for us this term.

"Now Real Madrid have to win their match on that weekend [Barça were due to play Xerez later this month but brought it forward due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup). We have already won ours."

Busy schedule

FC Barcelona have to play Deportivo La Coruña, Dynamo Kiev and Espanyol before heading to the Middle East and Keita knows it will be hard work. "It is our job to play games and it is good that we have so many games in all the competitions," he said. "It is good for everyone. Recovery is vital and we have the best coaches for that."

No repeats

On Wednesday in Xerez the Blaugrana scored a late second goal to assure them of victory after seeing points slip against Athletic Club and Keita thinks that was down to experience. "In football there are things that happen and in those instances you cannot avoid them. What you have to do is work hard the following day in training to make sure that they do not happen again," he added.