MIDFIELDER Ibrahima Diallo insisted “I have a strong relationship with the manager” and “I do not think of a possible departure” despite limited gametime at Saints.

The 23-year-old Frenchman has made 19 appearances in the Premier League this season, but only six of those saw more than 45 minutes of action.

Former Monaco product Diallo, who signed for Saints from French Ligue 1 side Stade Brest in October 2020, finds himself behind midfield stalwarts in Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse.

The pairing start nearly every game for manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, and an experiment to try Diallo as a right-midfielder at Norwich City’s Carrow Road this season did not produce exceptional results.

Daily Echo: Ibrahima Diallo has only played 24 Premier League minutes since the defeat at Wolves (Pic: Stuart Martin)Ibrahima Diallo has only played 24 Premier League minutes since the defeat at Wolves (Pic: Stuart Martin)

It has meant that Diallo has had to be and will continue to have to be patient for his chance, deputising when needed. The youngster, probed by French publication Nice-Matin, insists this does not deter him.

In translated quotes, he said: “They are two experienced players. I had a lot of playing time when Romeu got injured. I’m looking to win more.

“Coming here, I had no certainty. Oriol and James have been at the club for a long time and have a strong relationship with the manager. It’s up to me to continue to fight and make my mark.”

Daily Echo: Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse has only missed two league games in nearly three seasons (Pic: Stuart Martin)Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse has only missed two league games in nearly three seasons (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Diallo continued: “Whatever happens, this competition has made me, and will make me, progress. I do not think of a possible departure. I am fully focused on the end of the season.

“I don’t like to project myself too much. For the moment, I am still very, very far from being able to claim to aim higher.”

Asked for his thoughts on Hasenhuttl, who has been manager for over three years since arriving in December 2018, Diallo added: “He is quite reserved but lives for football.

Daily Echo: Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: Stuart Martin)Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (Pic: Stuart Martin)

“He has very good tactical ideas. We press very high and we make a lot of effort.

“That’s what I like. We could wait for the opponent because we are Southampton, but he always wants us to take risks. We are not afraid to play.”