Diarra reveals Lyon woe

Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra has spoken of his disappointment at a lack of playing time.

After a summer in which he appeared in the World Cup final, Diarra was confident he would be able to continue good form onto the domestic scene with Lyon.

However, he has repeatedly been overlooked in favour of Jeremy Toulalan, who has also usurped him in the national team pecking order.

Diarra admits he has been left bitterly disappointed about how events have transpired at Stade Gerland, at a loss to explain his current predicament.

"My situation is difficult," he told L'Equipe. "I play rarely.

"I can't understand what is happening. They signed me to replace Mahamadou Diarra.

"I have just reinforced the bench so far. I didn't come for that, even if the Lyon bench is very strong.

"They often say I came late in terms of physical preparation and I have to work, but if I never play, I will never improve.

"I don't want to enter new controversy as I feel well in the team. The group is fantastic but the club wanted me and I need to play.

"It is strange. I was very close to signing for Roma when the Lyon officials did everything to hire me. I believed it was for me to play.

"I haven't talked with the coach yet. He makes his choices and I respect them.

"I just want to have an opportunity. All the same I have been here for almost two months.

"I can't understand some things. I came to reinforce my position in the French team, not the contrary.

"There is no problem with Jeremy Toulalan. He is a great player."