Barcelona defender Eric Garcia admits he's been inconsistent in his first season back with the club.

Garcia arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City, but has yet to have the commanding impact that many anticipated he would upon his return.

"I am the first to be self-critical and I know I have to improve... I know there have been games where I could have done better," Garcia explained in his pre-match press conference.

"I have been working on improving for a while, I just hope I can be at Barcelona for a long time and help the team as best I can.

"When I took the decision to come here I was sure and that has not changed. We have a great team and even though results are not what we could like, there is still a long way to go in the season."

A trip to Kiev is never easy for any team with the amount of external factors which influence playing conditions, especially at this time of year, and the former Manchester City defender is under no illusions about how tricky a trip it will be.

"We all know how difficult it will be due to the trip and the weather," Garcia added.

"At home they made life tricky for us and away will be no different. Nevertheless, the team is ready mentally and physically."