Yan Diomande on his hat-trick heroics and introducing RB Leipzig to the Ivory Coast
Yan Diomande has hit the ground running since joining RB Leipzig from Leganés last summer. The Bundesliga sat down with him to take stock…
Diomande won the first of his now four international caps whilst still a Leganés player, but it still wasn’t a given that he would walk straight into Leipzig’s starting line-up aged just 18 on the day he signed.
But fast-forward six months and the young winger is one of the first names on Ole Werner’s teamsheet. Diomande’s hat-trick in the 6-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 14 means he now has seven goals and four assists in all competitions, tallied at a rate of one every 86 minutes he has played.
Watch: Leipzig's Diomande - a cut above the rest
You have enjoyed a sensational recent rise, and are naturally being linked with other clubs. How do you take it in?
Yan Diomande: “It feels normal to me, because I am surrounded by people who guide me. This is what we planned for, so I’m not surprised. We knew this would come and we were waiting for it. Thank God things are going well, and we are grateful.
“I don’t pay attention to rumours. I focus on my work on the pitch. If you perform, rumours will always appear. I stay concentrated, and I have good support from my father and the club staff. So I focus only on football.”
You are playing two major tournaments in one season – the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup…
Diomande: “It’s a dream. We grew up watching our national team – they made us cry, they made us dream. Now we are the ones inspiring children, and it’s incredible. I’m proud to represent my country. Our ambition is to go as far as possible and defend the [Africa Cup of Nations] title. We want to win again and keep the trophy.
“We [also] want to go as far as possible [at the World Cup]. Ivory Coast has had difficult World Cups in the past. Now we want to push further and achieve something big.”
You have been drawn in Group E at the World Cup, alongside Germany – with Leipzig teammate David Raum among them – Curaçao and Ecuador. What do you make of that?
Diomande: “Germany is one of the best teams in the world. It will be a great experience, and I will enjoy facing my teammates. And of course, I hope we win. There are no small teams at a World Cup. Anyone can surprise. We go with a strong desire to win – but first we focus on the Africa Cup, then the World Cup.”
Ivory Coast has many young talents in the Bundesliga – like you and Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Touré. Do you know him?
Diomande: “Yes, he’s a close friend and a very good player. I hope he keeps performing, stays healthy, and helps us a lot in the national team.”
“I am friends with everyone. But I am especially close with [former Red Bull Salzburg defender] Oumar Solet and also Bazou [Touré]. I have many friends – many teammates I get along with. But yes, with the other African players I am even closer – it’s our culture, we are always together. But truly, I am friends with everyone.”
How are you settling in with the national team so far?
Diomande: “It’s going well already. Ivory Coast – everyone knows it’s a joyful place. I had no pressure. I was welcomed very well and I felt immediately part of the group. That’s why I tried things that worked – thank God. Everything is good so far. Everyone is kind with me, so that makes me happy.”
How did it feel scoring your first Bundesliga hat-trick, against Eintracht Frankfurt?
Diomande: “It’s a source of pride. Even though I am right-footed, I scored with my left. That shows that I am progressing and that I must not stop. I must keep working, keep improving, and score even more goals.
“My style is explosive, fast, and physically strong. Quick, agile, and also a finisher. I know I am not yet a perfect finisher, but I am only 19. With time, it will come – and I will become a killer in front of goal.”
Watch: Diomande's hat-trick against Frankfurt
Would you describe yourself as a classic street footballer?
Diomande: “Yes, I played in the streets. I still play when I go home – sometimes with friends. I like to say: I left the streets, but the streets did not leave me. It is still part of me.”
You adapted to the Bundesliga very quickly. What was the key to your success so far?
Diomande: “I was welcomed very well here. Everyone treats me well. Even when I made mistakes – I am young – they helped me to correct them. I have my father, my team, and everyone around me supporting me. That is why adapting here has been successful. But I believe this is not finished yet. I am only partly adapted – not yet 100%. When I reach 100%, I think I will do even more. The good atmosphere in the locker room helps – everyone is good with me, so it shows on the field directly.
“[Leipzig] is good because we need calmness – more freshness – to perform on the field. I think it's a good life for a footballer. It’s quiet and peaceful – no noise, not too many distractions, not too much media. For us young players, that is perfect.
“You can see it yourself – it is top here. Everything is good: the structure, the staff, the club environment. Everyone is doing well here. I am happy here, everything is going well. I hope it continues like this until the day I leave.”
Watch: What makes Diomande so good?
How do you deal with competition in the squad?
Diomande: “We are friends, but competitors. On the field everyone fights for their place. The final decision belongs to the coach – he is the boss and he decides who deserves to play. Our role is to fight on the field to make his decision easier. That is what I do – I play my role and I fight. Then the coach chooses who he wants to put in.”
How well known is RB Leipzig in Ivory Coast?
Diomande: “I think people were not very focused on the German league before, but now they are paying more attention. They watch – they see everything. I leave the detailed comments to the fans. But I know they are more connected to the Bundesliga now, especially to the club here. They even have photos of me that I do not have myself – meaning they are more connected than I am!”
“It feels great. I do not know the history perfectly, but I think I am the only Ivorian who has played here. It is an honour to wear this club’s shirt for my country.”
What message would you like to give to young players in Ivory Coast who look up to you?
Diomande: “Work hard. Never give up. Fight and push yourself, because hard work is what can take you to the stars. You must not give up – fight until the last breath. That is the message.”
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