Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Strasbourg in the Coupe de France round-of-16, Krépin Diatta took a moment to express his thoughts on the match. The Senegalese wing-back, who was brought on during halftime, reflected on the team’s performance during a mixed zone interview shortly after the match.
Diatta noted that the team entered the game with the intention of bringing the same intensity that had characterized their recent performance against Rennes. However, he admitted that they fell short in this area, which ultimately impacted the match’s outcome. “If you want to win matches, you have to give everything right from the start,” he stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum throughout the game. The team’s early chances did not translate into goals, and Diatta emphasized that consistent effort is crucial for success.
The loss is particularly hard for Diatta, who has been with the club for five years. “This defeat really hurts my heart because the Club represents something very important to me personally,” he shared. He acknowledged the disappointment of being knocked out of the prestigious competition but insisted that it was up to the team to push for change. With a derby match looming on the calendar, Diatta expressed a strong desire for his teammates to regroup and put together a series of wins, stating, “I believe in this team.”
In reflecting on the recent African Cup of Nations, where some teammates excelled, Diatta noted the need for the team to shift focus and earn victories in their upcoming challenges. He believes that while they demonstrated potential in their match against Rennes, falling back into old habits against Strasbourg underscored the necessity for improvement.
As the derby approaches, Diatta emphasized the importance of learning from this setback. He recognized Ligue 1’s competitive nature and reiterated that every player must give their all in each match. “This defeat should help us understand that we have to do more,” he asserted, motivating the team to channel their energies into preparing for the crucial upcoming fixture.