KEITA: "REAL CAN BE BEATEN"
Seydou Keita is adamant that while Real Madrid are sure to provide Roma with a stern test of their credentials they're not unbeatable.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League round-of-16 first leg at the Olimpico, the Malian midfielder conceded that the Spanish outfit are a formidable opponent but insists Roma must go into the match full of confidence as they're capable of beating anyone.
“It'll be tough against Real because they're a fantastic team but not impossible,” Keita said in an interview on Roma Radio. “They lose games too because no one is unbeatable. We have to believe in ourselves.”
How do you prepare for Real Madrid?
“We have go out there with the utmost confidence in our ability. Of course the gaffer will do everything possible to give us the tools we need to win the game. Personally I think we need to be brimming with confidence.”
As an ex-Barcelona player, this isn't the first time you've faced Real...
“I played against them loads of times when I was at Barca and they were always very intense encounters, like the derby with Lazio is here. But I've played Real lots of other times too – when I was at Sevilla and Valencia. I have good memories and it always went pretty well for me.”
What's the mood like in the Roma camp going into this Champions League match?
“It's a really good spell for the club, the team and especially the fans. When you're winning, it's easier to work on your mistakes and the small things that aren't working and improve.”
Is there a different spirit at the club now?
“Yes, the new coach has instilled a new mentality. When a new coach is brought in it's because things aren't going well and that always results in changes. It's important for a team's mentality and for confidence. Sometimes it can take longer but fortunately it didn't take us long to adapt and we've managed to put together a run of four wins already. The team is slowly improving, as Spalletti says. There are other things we need to work on but we're on the right path. If we can keep it up, I think we could have a great end to the season.”
What's changed for you personally? You and Daniele De Rossi are often asked to start moves...
“Daniele and I have slightly different ways of playing but if we all carry out what the coach ask of us then the team benefits. Spalletti wants me, Daniele and [William] Vainqueur to do the same things when we play in front of the defence. His instructions don't change, we just put our skills at the service of the team and adapt to the coach's requests.”
Click www.asroma.com to read Keita's interview
(Photo LaPresse)
