Diame calls for battle-mentality in every game
Mohamed Diame, one of Wigan Athletic's players of the season so far, has said that whilst the club are lying in a precarious league position, now is not a time for panic, but a time to stand up and treat every game as a battle.
The midfielder, together with Hendry Thomas, has made up a solid midfield this season that already takes no prisoners, and the 22-year-old reckons the team's self-belief will play a crucial role between now and the end of the season.
"We are not seeing Saturday as 'make-or-break' or the biggest game of the season, but it's the next game for us and therefore it's the one we are most focused on," said Diame.
"Because we are down there near the bottom of the league, every game is a war for us, a battle on the field, and we have to have that mentality that we are going out there into the trenches and we are determined to win.
"It's been well-documented that we stayed behind for quite a while in the dressing room after the game on Tuesday, and there were some real home truths voiced.
"We all had a good chat amongst the players, but we have no option as to how to move on. We are together as a group and we have to make the most of it and we have to be unified.
"That is obviously what we are going to say, but that is also how we feel. We just have to believe in each other and be a team on and off the field.
Since arriving along with Antonio Amaya, the pair have seen the arrival of five more players during the January transfer window, and whilst it amy be early to give a proper assessment of their impact, Diame believes each player in the squad brings something different to the team:
"It's early days to assess the new players, Gary (Caldwell) has added some leadership qualities that have maybe been lacking, Steve (Gohouri) has looked impressive in training, while Vladimir (Stojkovic) has done well in difficult circumstances.
"I'm sure all the new signings will add competition to the squad, which can only help us push the squad forward.
"On a personal level this season has been a real baptism of fire for me. It's been tough to adjust and I can't believe the intensity of every game, but it's been everything I expected and more.
"I've just got over an injury, and I can start to concentrate on my game again."
Antonio Amaya, Diame's team-mate at Rayo Vallecano, admitted that whilst his adaptation to the Premier League has been difficult, he is as determined as anybody to make it in England.
"It's been tough for me - there's no two ways about it," said the centre-half.
"I've waited for my chance and I give everything in training. I certainly don't regret coming to England in any way shape or form, and I want to do well here. This is the best league in the world and as a player you have to test yourself against the very best.
"I know how hard it will be to get a regular place but I am hoping to do my best when I am given my chance."
Both players were promoting the Premier League's Places For Players initiative, which, amongst over things, helps to promote health & fitness in young women.
The pair admitted that whilst such projects are launched back in Spain, they did not compare with those run by the Premier League:
"I'm very impressed. I've not really seen a scheme like this before where young people are encouraged to learn gym techniques," said Diame.
"Fitness generally is quite a popular hobby these days but a lot of people take it up when they're older and it's sometimes difficult to pick up techniques and routines.
Amaya added: "Back home, the clubs like to get involved in the community and go out to schools and hospitals and so on.
"But as far as active programmes like this are concerned, this is the first time I've been involved and it's an honour to be able to help."
