Bamba, can you tell us about your journey?

I started my football journey at ASC Sonacos in Senegal, I joined the Diambars academy at the age of 14. After five years of training there and a year with the first team in the Senegalese first division, I made the move to Olympique de Marseille in 2020. Initially starting with the reserve team for six months, I was later promoted to the first team when the club faced challenges following Coach André Villas-Boas' departure. That's where everything began for me.

How did you catch the eye of OM?

I caught the attention of OM after finishing as the top scorer in the Senegalese leafue for the 2019/2020 season, scoring 12 goals in 14 games. Diambars FC had just signed a partnership with OM, and as part of this agreement, I became the first player the OM managers sought for trials. The trial went well, leading to the club offering me a contract.

Then, you meet the coach who has, for the moment, given you the most playing time in Ligue 1 Uber Eats (973 minutes), Jorge Sampaoli. What did he teach you?

His coaching style complimented my strengths, and he consistently instilled confidence in me, which was pivotal in my performance on the field. Sampaoli always made an effort to put me at ease and gave me valuable advice before matches, recognizing my potential to make a difference.

The following season, you had the chance to rub shoulders with your childhood idol, Alexis Sanchez...

Playing alongside him was a dream. When I was a kid I wore jerseys with his name. He's a fantastic individual.

Do you have an example of advice he may have given you?

He told me: “If you workout in the gym, it will do you good in training and in matches.” He's a hard worker and I tried to observe him as much as possible. I didn't want to repeat his exercises too much in front of him, but when I got home, I tried to do them. It was a source of inspiration, and still is today.

You were then transferred to FC Lorient last January. How did you experience your first months at the club?

It wasn't easy at first to change clubs but everyone welcomed me. It took me a little time to adapt to the environment and the climate. But, frankly, I like the city. Today, I feel good, I have adapted!

Whether at OM, Lorient or with Senegal, the supporters have a lot of hope in you. How do you manage this expectation of yourself?

I don't put pressure on myself and I simply play naturally. Whatever should happen, will happen!

We have the impression that there are two Bamba Diengs, one on the field and another off…

(Laughs) Maybe! It's true that off the field, I'm a shy person, while on the field, it's quite the opposite. This is where I show my character. I try to do as much as possible to help my team, by scoring or making them score... When I'm on the pitch, I’m in my element.

You've created a lot of chances since your debut in Ligue 1, but your finishing is sometimes lacking. How are you working to improve your efficiency?

It’s true that I’ve missed a lot of chance. But I always have confidence in myself. Every time I miss an opportunity, I tell myself in my head: “I’m going to get another one and I’m going to put it in the back of the net!” I work on this in training and I think that over time I will be more and more effective. Insh’Allah!

Does Régis Le Bris help you progress in this area?

Yes. The coach and Jean-Marie David talk to me from time to time about this aspect. But I am aware that I have to improve with my last touch.

Did you also benefit from advice from players at OM?

Oh yes! At OM, I played with Sanchez, Milik, Benedetto, Germain… There are a lot of good attackers with whom I played, and I learned from them. They made me progress in all areas. I was young and they were experienced, so I took whatever I could get.

You are capable of playing on the wings but you are primarily a striker. Do you think it is necessary to stabilize yourself in a position to fully explode?

It’s up to the coach to decide where he wants to use me. He makes his choices and I am there for him. It doesn’t matter where he puts me, the main thing is that I play. Even though I prefer to play up front, I don't mind being used on the side!

Ismaïla Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Krépin Diatta… Senegal is well represented in attack in Ligue 1 this season…

Yes, I follow their performances because they play for Senegal, my country. And we all have the same goal: to win titles, whether it is AFCON or the World Cup. But we are not in competition with each other. No matter who is on the pitch, it is Senegal that comes first. Between Senegalese players, we wish each other the best with our respective clubs. If we progress and perform well, like Habib Diallo last season, it will be beneficial to the national team.