Keita: Guardiola always praised me but never played me

By Stefan Coerts | GOAL.com – Thu, Aug 2, 2012 3:45 PM SGT

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Seydou Keita has voiced his dismay with the way Pep Guardiola treated him during his four-year spell at Barcelona.

The Mali international, who left the Blaugrana for Dalian Aerbin this summer, was often praised by his former coach, but had to settle for a place on the bench during his final years at Camp Nou.

"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.

"I did bring this up with Guardiola when we met face-to-face. I told him that I didn't appreciate it that he always praised me, but never started a match with me. I will never forget my time at Barca, though."

Despite his reservations, Keita made over 100 Liga appearances for Barca during his four years at the club.

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