🔗 Share this article 'We’re like a family here': Habib Diarra celebrates good times at Sunderland. Formal or informal? It speaks volumes about the young Senegalese star that his elation at being elevated from the youth ranks at Strasbourg to the first team was tempered by anxiety over the two distinct words for “you.” Was it appropriate to address new, senior teammates by using “tu” be seen as too familiar? Ultimately, the promising talent played safe and selected the more polite “vous”. This prompted wholesale laughter from the older players who told him not to be so ridiculous; he was part of the group now. “After I had the first call with the coach, I reflected and said to my parents: ‘Sunderland’s where I want to be; that’s where I want to play.’ England's top flight was always a dream of mine and the coach presented me with a well-defined and appealing project.” Almost five years later, Diarra is settled in an office at the club's training ground detailing why he ignored overtures from, among others, several top European clubs. His innate courtesy endures but it is evident that the young Senegal international and uncertainty are virtual strangers. Diarra conducts himself with the self-assurance suited to a player who led Strasbourg at the tender age of twenty and, only last month, returned from Morocco holding an AFCON championship trophy. A Clear Project Now that the groin issue that kept him out for much of the first half of the league campaign resolved, Diarra is on a quest to demonstrate precisely why he agreed to become Sunderland’s most expensive acquisition last summer. Analysts in France and Senegal queried Diarra’s unfashionable choice but he knew all about the manager's standing as a talented youth coach. “It came as no shock by the coach’s ability because I already knew what he’s able to achieve,” says Diarra. “Facing his teams I understood he was very good, very strong in terms of strategy. He’s someone I know is aiding my development. And although our first objective is reaching 40 points, European qualification is certainly a realistic target this season.” A Family Atmosphere Outside, the chilly February wind and driving rain makes Wearside look as bleak as it is often depicted. Inside, things are much more welcoming. The environment is free of the type of strain notable at certain clubs where administrative staff are kept apart from first-team players. Diarra describes the environment as “really natural” and commends Le Bris’s role in its creation. “Our manager repeatedly states to us that we’re like a family here and we all support each other,” he says. “Each of us takes pride of each other.” Freedom Within a Framework If the organisation, discipline and sheer hard yards supporting Sunderland’s defensive organization are a proof of the head coach’s meticulous eye for detail, Le Bris also likes his players to use their initiative. He offers his engine room players full freedom to improvise and swap roles. “The coach sets his tactics out within a structure but we have license to play within it,” says Diarra, who prefers to be deployed as a all-action No 8. “Out on the pitch that is empowering. That autonomy is so important. Our captain, Granit, helps us a lot. He’s a massive influence and a fantastic example.” Path and Settlement Diarra is using a French interpreter but his English has advanced to the point where he can grasp most questions. He is now focusing on acquiring the language skills to also answer them, which would be his third tongue. He is proficient in Wolof, the language he spoke in his youth in his hometown near Dakar. His precocious maturity helped him deal with the frustration of needing groin surgery followed by four months out of action last autumn. “Being injured so soon after arriving here was disheartening, for sure,” he says. “But it was up to me to handle the situation.” Diarra is now anticipating playing in this summer’s global tournament. Given Senegal have been drawn in the same group as France, a poignant reunion awaits the former Les Bleus under-21 midfielder. “I enjoyed representing for France but my inner feeling prevailed,” says Diarra. “I have no remorse. I was born in Senegal; it makes me proud to play for them.” Similar emotions apply to Sunderland. “I've settled very well,” he says. “I feel really comfortable here.”