Talk is cheap for Keita

Seydou Keita admits he does not speak to Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola on a regular basis, but feels he has the coach’s respect.

The Mali international is currently unavailable for the Catalan giants as he is away at the African Cup of Nations, yet the veteran midfielder has reminisced on how he became an important player for the European champions.

“I think it all started when we played the final of the Champions League in 2009,” Keita told RMC Sport.

“Everyone wanted to play but the coach offered me the job of playing on left side, a position in which I had never played.”

“He said it was fine. I’m not selfish, but no one would refuse to play a Champions League final. I think that’s why I have his respect.”

The 32-year-old also commented on his relationship with Guardiola, which he deems to be more professional than personal.

“Pep and I do not talk about anything. I am a person who does not speak much, even less with coaches,” he said.

“The coach always praises his players, but not me. Guardiola gives me nothing. If you do not play well, he puts you on the bench, that’s all.”

Keita has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou due to being unable to hold down a regular spot in the starting line-up, but he is unsure of what his future holds.

“It depends. I have played at Lorient, Lens, Sevilla and Barcelona. No one knows when they can change things or what will happen tomorrow,” he said.

“I do not know. This is my fourth season at the club and I have done quite well, although I am not a starter in every game.”

“I think I’ve been regularly scoring six or seven goals per year and four assists, not bad for a defensive midfielder, especially in a team with all these great players, but, you never know.”