Seydou Keita insists that tonight’s 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Gamper Trophy is no cause for alarm, stressing that it is just the sort of match Roma need to be playing to ensure they are fit and raring to go when the competitive action starts up in a few weeks’ time.
The veteran Mali midfielder, who was handed the captain’s armband when he returned to his former stomping ground this evening, also took time to thank his former fans and team-mates after playing 64 minutes at the Camp Nou.
You were warmly received by the Barcelona fans on your return to the Camp Nou tonight. What did that feel like?
“It was quite an emotional occasion. I spent four of the best years of my life here, both professionally and personally speaking, so it was fantastic to be applauded like that by the Camp Nou faithful.”
How useful do you think these pre-season friendlies against world-class sides like Barcelona are?
“You want to be playing matches like this because they help you to improve. The main thing is getting ready in time for our first Serie A game on August 22. It’s natural the fans should start asking questions when you lose but the only thing that really matters is that we’re putting in the work we need for when the matches that count come around. We do need to improve but I’m sure that in two weeks’ time we’ll be ready for the Serie A kick-off. We’re doing a lot of work on the athletic side at the moment too because it’s all about laying the groundwork for the year ahead.”
Is it harder to deal with the fantastic individual talents Barca have at their disposal or their overall team play?
“I think it’s both things. They’re extremely well drilled from a tactical point of view but they also have a string of players capable of winning games for them single-handedly. I think a team with a front three of Messi, Neymar and Suarez would be a handful for any side in the world.”
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