Diarra praises team spirit

Thursday 1 December, 2005

Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra believes that the club’s success is down to their team spirit.

The Blues have become a force in both the Premiership and the Champions League since Roman Abramovich bought the club two years ago.

But Diarra is certain that it’s the spirit in the camp that has made them one of Europe’s top sides, and not Abramovich’s money.

“We really have a strong group,” he said. “Everyone fights for his teammate, there is huge help. When I came from Le Havre, straight away the players and the club did everything for me to feel at ease.

"Moreover the coach has great words. He can motivate everyone, he knows what to do to improve his group. He has very precise rules to work. We make a lot of videos, but above all we are working on our own qualities.

“But I repeat, this really is a group with solidarity, that never gives up, and that wants to win everything. That state of mind is really our strength.”