"I heard and read all the time that Guardiola really rated me. Everybody thought we had a great relationship, because he was always very positive about me," Keita was quoted as saying by Match.
"However, I never really played much under Pep. That was the only negative thing about my spell at Barcelona.
Seydou Keita: I don't speak much to Pep Guardiola but I have his respect
The Mali international has admitted to being a quiet person and not speaking with the trainer, but feels that his actions on the field have allowed his boss to trust him
Seydou Keita has admitted that he does not speak to his Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola on a regular basis, but feels that 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 - by opting out of starting as a left-back in the 2009 Champions League final.
"I think it all started when we played the final of the Champions League in 2009," he told RMC Sport.
"Everyone wanted to play but the coach offered me the job of playing at left-back, a position in which I had never played.
"He said it was fine. No-one would refuse to play a Champions League final, but I'm not selfish [and said I wasn't comfortable]," he added.
"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 speak hardly at all. I am a person who does not speak much, even less with coaches,"
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