The Mali international has played a more attack-minded midfield role this season and has so far scored give goals.
“My football is to defend, help my team-mates and win balls. At Barcelona I have had to change, I had to relearn how to play more forward, step up the field,” he told Sport.
“After the first goal I relaxed and I began to try things that until now I thought I wouldn’t be able. I am making the best of myself. The support from the stands has helped a lot. I feel obliged to return all this confidence from the coach [Guardiola] and the fans.
“I respect the coach a lot because he always respected me. Managing all these stars and their egos is not easy. The players are not children and when we see that everyone is treated equally and that the coach respects everyone we return the favour.”
