Oumar Diakité focuses on team goals over personal stats

Oumar Diakité has addressed recent criticism and shared his philosophy on performance, stressing that his contributions go beyond personal statistics. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Reims’ Ligue 1 clash with RC Lens, the Ivorian forward reflected on his solid start to the season, having scored four goals, including one against Olympique Lyonnais, and is eager to continue his goal-scoring run.

Diakité, however, explained that while scoring and assisting are always goals when he steps onto the pitch, his primary focus is on helping the team in any way possible.

Every time I go on the pitch, I set myself the goal of scoring, making an assist, but above all helping the team as much as possible,” he said. “Sometimes, I won’t score, but I have to stay efficient for the collective good.”

The 21-year-old, who won the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Ivory Coast, acknowledged the importance of statistics in an attacker’s career but emphasized that a good performance cannot be reduced to numbers alone.

We are judged on stats, but a good game is not just about that.

Some days, I won’t shoot on goal because the coach expects another role from me depending on the opponent,” he said.

His coach, Luka Elsner, echoed Diakité’s sentiments, praising his player’s effectiveness in more than just scoring.

We saw it recently, he scored on loose or poorly cleared balls. It’s an essential quality for an attacking player,” said Elsner.

The Reims coach also highlighted Diakité’s ability to create space for others, which Diakité himself mentioned, stating, Some strikers like to free up space for others.

I often make these efforts for the team, even if I am not always rewarded.

With his 21st birthday approaching, Diakité remains focused on improving his game.

He pointed out the importance of blocking out external noise and staying mentally strong, particularly in the face of social media pressures.

It’s essential to protect yourself from that.

This is my second season in Ligue 1, and even if I have a little more experience, I’m still young and still learning,” he said. “You have to cut yourself off from what’s being said around you, keep your ears closed and concentrate on work.

We’ll do the accounts later. For now, you have to give it your all.

This mindset aligns with the team’s overall approach at Reims, where the focus is firmly on collective success.