The Sunderland midfielder has spoken about his £30million move, European targets and the influence of Régis Le Bris
Habib Diarra says he is determined to show exactly why Sunderland made him their record signing after promotion to the Premier League, as he looks to build momentum following a frustrating start to the season.
Diarra joined the Black Cats in a £30million move last summer but saw his early progress disrupted by a groin injury that sidelined him for much of the first half of the campaign. Now fully fit, the midfielder says the club’s direction under Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris was key to his decision to move to Wearside.
Speaking to The Guardian, Diarra explained why the project at Sunderland immediately appealed to him. “After I had the first call with the coach, I sat down and said to my parents: ‘Sunderland’s where I want to be; that’s where I want to play,’” Diarra said. “The Premier League was always a dream of mine and the coach presented me with a clear and interesting project.”
Diarra added that Le Bris’ reputation was already well known to him from his time in France, having previously faced the coach’s Lorient side while playing for Strasbourg in Ligue 1. “I haven’t been surprised by the coach’s ability because I already knew what he’s capable of,” he said. “Playing against his teams I realised he was very good, very strong tactically. He’s someone I know is helping my game progress. And although our first objective is reaching 40 points, European qualification is certainly a realistic target this season.”
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The midfielder also highlighted the culture being built within the squad, describing a strong sense of unity and shared responsibility. “The coach always says to us that we’re like a family here and we all fight for each other,” Diarra added. “We’re all proud of each other.”
Able to operate across midfield but most comfortable as a box-to-box No 8, Diarra believes Sunderland’s structure allows players to express themselves within a clear tactical framework. “The coach sets his tactics out within a framework but we have freedom to play within it,” he said. “That freedom is so important. There’s a lot of hard work behind it but I think we show a lot of personality in our play. Our captain, Granit Xhaka, helps us a lot. He’s a really big player and a fantastic example. On or off the pitch, physically or mentally, he never lets anyone down.”
Sunderland are next in action against Premier League champions Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, when they host the Reds at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening. Le Bris’ side will be looking to respond after a 3-0 defeat away to Arsenal last time out, but Sunderland remain unbeaten on home soil and have yet to lose back-to-back Premier League games this season.
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