🔗 Share this article 'We are a family unit here': Habib Diarra celebrates good times at Sunderland. Formal or informal? It says a lot about Habib Diarra that his joy at being elevated from Strasbourg’s Under-17s to the senior squad was tempered by worry over the two distinct words for “you.” Was it appropriate to address new, established teammates by using “tu” be considered disrespectful? In the end, the young midfielder played safe and selected the more formal “vous”. This prompted widespread amusement from the older players who instructed him not to be so ridiculous; he was part of the group now. “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.’ England's top flight was always a dream of mine and the coach outlined for me 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, Milan, Atlético Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, Aston Villa and Leeds. His innate courtesy remains but it is apparent that the young Senegal international and uncertainty are virtual strangers. Diarra carries himself with the confidence befitting a player who led Strasbourg at the age of 20 and, only last month, returned from Morocco clutching an Africa Cup of Nations winners’ medal. A Defined Vision With the groin injury that sidelined him for much of the opening months of the domestic season 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 surprising decision but he knew all about the manager's standing as a talented youth coach. “I haven’t been surprised by the coach’s ability because I already knew what he’s capable of,” says Diarra. “Playing against his teams I understood he was very good, very strong tactically. He’s someone I know is aiding my development. And although our primary aim is reaching 40 points, a place in Europe is certainly a realistic target this season.” A Family Atmosphere Externally, the chilly February wind and driving rain makes the region look as bleak as it is often depicted. Internally, things are much more welcoming. The environment is free of the type of tension 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 formation. “Our manager repeatedly states to us that we have a familial bond here and we all support each other,” he says. “Each of us takes pride of each other.” Freedom Within a Framework If the structure, rigor and immense effort supporting Sunderland’s defensive organization are a proof of the head coach’s attention to minutiae, Le Bris also likes his players to think for themselves. He offers his engine room players full freedom to improvise and interchange positions. “The coach sets his tactics out within a structure but we have freedom to play within it,” says Diarra, who favors playing as a all-action No 8. “During matches that feels good. That autonomy is so important. Our captain, Granit, helps us a lot. He’s a massive influence and a superb role model.” Journey and Adaptation Diarra is speaking through a French interpreter but his English has progressed to the point where he can understand most questions. He is now focusing on acquiring the vocabulary to also answer them, which would be his third language. He is fluent in Wolof, the language he spoke in his youth in his hometown near Dakar. His early maturity helped him deal with the disappointment of needing groin surgery followed by four months on the sidelines last autumn. “Being injured so soon after arriving here was disheartening, for sure,” he says. “But it was up to me to manage myself.” Diarra is now anticipating playing in this summer’s global tournament. Given Senegal have been drawn in the same group as France, a emotional matchup awaits the former Les Bleus under-21 midfielder. “I enjoyed representing for France but my inner feeling prevailed,” says Diarra. “There’s no regrets. I was born in Senegal; it fills me with pride to play for them.” Similar emotions apply to Sunderland. “I've settled very well,” he says. “I am really comfortable here.”