When Harry Redknapp signed Lassana Diarra from Arsenal
in January, eyebrows were raised. Why were Portsmouth adding
another player to an already overcrowded area of their squad, and
why did a promising France midfield player want to leave a club in
the big four?
The answers came in Diarra’s outstanding form given regular
playing time, which has helped Portsmouth reach Saturday’s FA Cup
final against Cardiff City and cemented his place in Raymond
Domenech’s France squad for the European Championships. The
remaining mystery is why Arsene Wenger, having signed Diarra from
Chelsea for £2 million on August 31 last year, did not play him
more often.
For this question you have to talk to Arsene Wenger because
every time he put me on the pitch I tried to do my best,” Diarra,
23, said. “For him, I don't know if it was good enough or not, but
for me... “This is why I left: because I wanted more consideration,
not just to play every week. When you are in the team and even if
you play well the manager doesn't want to put you on the pitch, you
have to do something. I didn’t understand it, but I don't think
about Arsenal now, I am just focused on Portsmouth."
He took advice from a former teammate before deciding on a move
to Fratton Park. “After I spoke to the manager it was easy, but I
also spoke with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and he knows the manager
and said it would be a very good move. We have reached the final
and that is why I am here.”
But more important than the chance for medals was the
opportunity to play. “With the European Championship coming up it
was very important for me. France have a very good team and strong
squad, but I've played in 11 of the last 12 games. I am in the
squad and try to do what the manager says. If he says I play, I
play, and if he says I’m on the bench, okay.”
Somehow, Domenech has managed a trick that was beyond Wenger in
satisfying Diarra with a place in the pecking order behind Claude
Makelele and Patrick Vieira. “Makelele and Patrick Vieira are very
big players,” he said. “They are 35 and 32 and if I am not picked I
know my time will come.”
His implied criticism of Wenger does not apply to Jose Mourinho,
the former Chelsea manager, whom he credits for his confidence. “I
was 19 when I signed for Chelsea and I trained with very big
players and this is why you feel more comfortable and you believe
in your football.
“He was special for me. When I was there he spoke with me … not
exactly like my dad, but he explained everything to me. This is why
when I am doing well, I think back to some of the words he said to
me two or three years ago.
“I remember him telling me when I was at Chelsea: ‘You have the
quality so just believe in yourself’. I hope he gets a big team and
I wish him good luck. Wenger is Wenger and Mourinho is Mourinho -
they are different people. I respect Arsene and Mourinho and I know
which one I prefer - but that is for me to know.”
