🔗 Share this article 'We are a family unit here': Habib Diarra delights in good times at Sunderland. Vous or Tu? It says a lot about Habib Diarra that his joy at being promoted from the youth ranks at Strasbourg to the first team was mixed with anxiety over the two distinct words for “you.” Was it appropriate to address new, older teammates by using “tu” be seen as too familiar? In the end, the promising talent played safe and selected the more formal “vous”. Cue widespread amusement from the older players who told him not to be so ridiculous; he was one of them 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 goal of mine and the coach outlined for me a clear and interesting project.” Almost five years later, Diarra is settled in an office at the club's training ground explaining why he ignored overtures from, among others, Milan, Atlético Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, Aston Villa and Leeds. His natural politeness endures but it is apparent that the young Senegal international and doubt are virtual strangers. Diarra carries himself with the self-assurance suited to a player who captained Strasbourg at the tender age of twenty and, only last month, returned from Morocco clutching an Africa Cup of Nations championship trophy. A Defined Vision With the groin injury that kept him out for much of the first half of the domestic season resolved, Diarra is on a quest to demonstrate precisely why he agreed to become Sunderland’s record £30m signing last summer. Analysts in France and Senegal queried Diarra’s unfashionable choice but he knew all about the manager's reputation as a gifted youth coach. “It came as no shock by the coach’s ability because I already knew what he’s able to achieve,” 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, European qualification is certainly a realistic target this season.” A Unified Environment Externally, the chilly February wind and heavy downpour makes Wearside look as bleak as it is often depicted. Internally, things are much more welcoming. The atmosphere is free of the type of tension found in certain clubs where office workers are kept apart from Premier League squads. Diarra describes the environment as “very organic” and commends Le Bris’s role in its creation. “The coach always says to us that we’re like a family here and we all support each other,” he says. “We’re all proud of each other.” Liberty and Structure If the structure, rigor and sheer hard yards supporting Sunderland’s defensive organization are a testament to the head coach’s meticulous eye for detail, Le Bris also likes his players to think for themselves. He offers his midfielders complete licence to be creative and interchange positions. “Our manager establishes his tactics out within a framework but we have license to play within it,” says Diarra, who favors playing as a all-action No 8. “Out on the pitch that is empowering. That freedom is so important. Our captain, Granit, guides us a lot. He’s a really big player and a fantastic example.” Path and Settlement Diarra is speaking through a French interpreter but his English has progressed 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 fluent in Wolof, the language he spoke in his youth in his hometown near the Senegalese capital. His early maturity helped him deal with the disappointment of needing an operation followed by four months on the sidelines last autumn. “Being injured so soon after arriving here was frustrating, for sure,” he says. “But it was up to me to handle the situation.” Diarra is now anticipating playing in this summer’s World Cup. Given Senegal have been drawn in the same group as France, a emotional matchup awaits the former Les Bleus under-21 midfielder. “I loved playing for France but my inner feeling prevailed,” says Diarra. “There’s no regrets. 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 am really comfortable here.”