Keita: Real can be beaten

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.”

There was a comment you made about Roma fans that was misinterpreted. Do you want to clear that up?

“I have a lot of respect for the team. I've never created any problems and I respect the fans too. I've suffered a lot in my life to get where I am today and in the dressing room I ask for and I show respect. I've never disrespected anyone. But I'm an experienced player. If things aren't going well it's down to the players, that's true. If the fans boo, they might be right but it doesn't help. Roma pay me to play football and the fans pay to come and watch me. That alone is enough to understand that a footballer must never disrespect the fans. How could a player ever disrespect them? But if I say something I don't like having to repeat it because I always think very carefully before I speak. If a man makes a mistake he has to take responsibility. You can't twist my words, though. If I said I love Roma the same way as [Francesco] Totti or De Rossi – who declared their love for the club on Valentine's Day – people would say it's not true and they'd be right, because they've been here for 20 years and I've only been here for one. But I have the same respect for the fans as Francesco and Daniele do – I can assure you of that.”