Alou Diarra, the midfielder of Malian origin currently on loan at Rennes from West Ham, has spoken about his challenging experience and injury that kept him out of action for two and a half months. Here are the key points from his statements:
- Lack of Proper Preparation at West Ham: Diarra mentioned that when he joined West Ham after the Euro, he did not undergo any preparation. He was integrated directly into the group that had already completed eight weeks of preseason training. This lack of proper preparation led to physical issues, and he ended up injuring his thigh, sidelining him for two and a half months.
- Self-Initiated Physical Sessions: Diarra acknowledged that he took the initiative to request physical sessions at West Ham, which should have been anticipated by the club. However, he did not portray himself as a victim, indicating a willingness to take responsibility for the situation.
- Current Focus on Physical Preparation: The 31-year-old midfielder is currently on loan at Rennes and is putting in extra effort to increase his physical preparation. He is working consistently and individually with a physical trainer to reduce the gap in fitness with the rest of the group.
- Frustration and Determination: Diarra expressed frustration at not being able to contribute as much as he would like due to the challenges he faced in the initial months at West Ham. However, he remains determined to overcome this setback, emphasizing his awareness of the situation and the effort he is putting in to catch up with the rest of the group.
In summary, Alou Diarra acknowledged the difficulties he faced at West Ham, particularly in terms of preparation and subsequent injury. Despite the setbacks, he is actively working on his physical fitness and is determined to make up for lost time and contribute to his current team, Rennes.
