Seydou Keita has warned Barcelona that they ‘must respect’ Roma, who have exchanged progress in Serie A for the Champions League.
Keita won two Champions Leagues with Barca between 2008 and 2012, before spending two seasons at Roma in the twilight of his playing career.
“Before the season, not just in the final stages, Barcelona were favourites to win the Champions League, but they must have respect for Roma,” the Malian told Mundo Deportivo.
Seydou Keita has warned Barcelona that they ‘must respect’ Roma, who have exchanged progress in Serie A for the Champions League.
Keita won two Champions Leagues with Barca between 2008 and 2012, before spending two seasons at Roma in the twilight of his playing career.
“Before the season, not just in the final stages, Barcelona were favourites to win the Champions League, but they must have respect for Roma,” the Malian told Mundo Deportivo.
“In the group stage, they led a group containing Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, and this proves they’ll be a tough team to face.
“Unlike other years, when they did better in the League and worse in Europe, it’s the other way round this season. I see them stronger in the Champions League and less so in Serie A.
“Nainggolan? He’s a very good player. Monchi? I don’t know if he can do as well for Roma as he did at Sevilla, but I hope he does well because he’s a person I rate highly.
“Who will I support? I prefer to say that the best team will win. Gerson? I’m watching him develop and he’s playing very well. He has quality.”