Football: Diarra not vexed despite the draw

MADRID:

Real Madrid’s French midfielder Lassana Diarra said there was no need to panic despite the Spanish giants’ 1-1 draw with Malaga that cut their 10-point lead over the defending champions Barcelona. “It’s true we were a bit down after the match,” said Diarra.

“But there’s no need to panic. Barca are still eight points behind.” Diarra started Sunday’s match against Malaga after being sidelined with a lower back injury and the 27-year-old said he was happy to return, even in the role of right-back .

“I don’t really notice the difference between playing right-back or in midfield. Defensively, it was a bit more difficult than normal against Malaga but I acquitted myself well coming forward.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2012.