{"id":156173,"date":"2025-07-16T18:39:42","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T18:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/le-havre-it-was-evident-and-i-discovered-a-family\/"},"modified":"2025-07-16T18:39:44","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T18:39:44","slug":"le-havre-it-was-evident-and-i-discovered-a-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/le-havre-it-was-evident-and-i-discovered-a-family\/","title":{"rendered":"Le Havre? It was evident, and I discovered a family."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Foot Mercato: Hello Mory, before we delve into your career, let\u2019s focus on the recent news. You have just joined Le Havre for two seasons. Can you explain this choice?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mory Diaw:<\/strong> The choice was quite simple. We had discussions back in December regarding a potential arrival here, but it did not materialize. Subsequently, I spent time at Rodez. By the end of my adventure at Rodez, I was in contact with Nicolas Douchez, with whom I had played and who has always monitored my performance, as well as Mathieu Bodmer, whom I also know. It all came together naturally.<\/p>\n

“Le Havre? It Was a Natural Choice!”<\/em><\/h2>\n

FM: How did the discussions go with Mathieu Bodmer and his team? What attracted you to this new project?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> In this situation, the discussions were smooth, everything unfolded simply. It\u2019s a great project, a cohesive team, a club that has shown very commendable values in recent seasons. I believe I can bring my experience to this team and do what I do best, which is to help the team and be decisive.<\/p>\n

FM: You recently came from Clermont with a loan to Rodez at the end of last season. Can you tell us about these two recent experiences?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> I had a release clause at Clermont after the second season. We had a very good first season. The club trusted me, so I extended my contract, including a release clause at the end of the second season. After that, I thought about discovering something new, and I had several opportunities. Ultimately, that didn’t happen for various reasons. The club had already signed its goalkeepers, opting to head into Ligue 2 with other keepers, even though I believe I could have helped. I also heard some false rumors that I no longer wanted to play for the club, which is not true. I had a tough six months without playing. It was complicated, and it wasn’t easy. However, I worked hard to maintain my condition physically and mentally, and I focused on improving areas I hadn\u2019t worked on while playing every weekend. This preparation allowed me to be ready for the last day of the January transfer window when I joined Rodez and played.<\/p>\n

FM: What about your time at Rodez?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> I played 12 matches. The objective was clear: it’s about maintaining our position. I arrived when the team was not doing well, but we lost only two out of those 12 games, achieving great defensive solidity and reaching our goal. It was a positive experience, and I am grateful to everyone at Rodez for the trust and respect I received.<\/p>\n

“Playing with Mike Maignan, Nicolas Douchez, and Salvatore Sirigu Teaches You That Football Is More Than Just the Weekend”<\/em><\/h2>\n

FM: Before this, you\u2019ve traveled quite a bit, playing in Portugal, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. At 32, how do you view your career, and what have these experiences taught you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> I have never been afraid to travel for playing opportunities. If I believed I needed to play, I would go anywhere. I was young, part of the professional group at Paris, and I had only one desire: to play. After Paris Saint-Germain, my only concrete opportunity was to go to Portugal in Ligue 2, so I took the leap. I sought out playing time and enjoyment on the pitch, and sitting on the bench was not an option for me.<\/p>\n

FM: You trained at PSG, but the end of that chapter wasn\u2019t ideal due to circumstances we\u2019re all aware of. What did you learn during your time in the capital?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> It taught me that football is not just about the weekend. Preparation is key, from training sessions to recovery. Training alongside Mike Maignan, Nicolas Douchez, and Salvatore Sirigu, I realized that nothing is just a coincidence. Their long-standing performance stems from hard work. I adopted that discipline, paying closer attention to my body and the details.<\/p>\n

“Nicolas Douchez? I Consider Him My Big Brother”<\/em><\/h2>\n

FM: At Le Havre, you\u2019ll reunite with a familiar face in Nicolas Douchez, a former PSG player turned goalkeeper coach. Can you talk about your relationship?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> We maintained a good relationship even after PSG. We kept in touch while I was abroad, and he followed my games. He would provide feedback on what I could improve. I regard him as my older brother. While I will respect the professionalism needed in our roles, it\u2019s a natural bond. We have a mutual respect for each other, and I believe this connection will help us perform well together this season.<\/p>\n

FM: Besides Nicolas Douchez, Lionel Mpasi is also at Le Havre. You played together at Rodez last season. Does this shared past make the competition easier to navigate, even as you arrive as the number one?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> Lionel is like family to me. We trained together at PSG, and we\u2019ve known each other for over a decade. Our bond is strong, and we support each other, even rooming together during training camp. We aim to push each other, but it will be a respectful competition. My age allows me to take on a big brother role for the younger players.<\/p>\n

(Lionel Mpasi, present during this interview, shared his thoughts)<\/p>\n

Lionel Mpasi:<\/strong> Mory and I go back a long way. We began our professional careers together at the PSG training center, becoming brothers along the way. Our paths have had similarities, and it’s incredible to reunite here. I\u2019m thrilled to have him by my side as we push ourselves for the club’s benefit.<\/p>\n

FM: Having familiar faces like Nicolas Douchez and Lionel Mpasi will make your integration smoother, right?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> Absolutely! As a fun fact, Lionel and I even went through our initiation rituals together, singing \u201cFinis-les\u201d by Alonzo (laughs).<\/p>\n

FM: You\u2019ve taken your first steps with your new teammates. How are things going so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> Everything is going well. I\u2019ve discovered a family of players who have been together for years. It feels great to be part of this close-knit group. Even though I\u2019m older than many of them, I\u2019m ready to step up as a big brother to the younger players and help them whenever I can.<\/p>\n

“I Will Ensure They Push Themselves and Bring My Experience”<\/em><\/h2>\n

FM: With multiple Senegalese players already at the club such as Rassoul (Ndiaye), Issa (Soumar\u00e9), Arouna (Sangante), and Aliou (Thiar\u00e9), does this element also facilitate your integration?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> Absolutely! If I can help them perform better and achieve their goals, I will do everything in my power. As Senegalese, our aim is to be part of the national team. I will push them to reach their potential and aim for selection.<\/p>\n

FM: Have you had a chance to speak with Didier Digard? How was your initial interaction?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> Yes, we\u2019ve exchanged a few words. He\u2019s incredibly close to the team, and I can see he is oriented towards football. I look forward to working closely with him.<\/p>\n

FM: For those who may not know you well, what type of goalkeeper are you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> That\u2019s a tricky question; others are better positioned to judge me. I see myself as a calm goalkeeper. I don\u2019t feel much pressure. I enjoy playing with my feet and being proactive on the pitch to assist my defense.<\/p>\n

FM: You have a solid experience in Ligue 1, with 67 matches played. What do you find challenging about this league as a goalkeeper?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> Everything happens much faster! You must be constantly alert and ready. Precision in our positioning and anticipating threats is crucial. In Ligue 1, being just a meter out of position can lead to immediate consequences. You don\u2019t have the same reaction time, as mistakes can easily lead to goals.<\/p>\n

“I Want to Help the Team Secure Maintenance as Quickly as Possible”<\/em><\/h2>\n

FM: Le Havre narrowly avoided relegation last season and will compete in Ligue 1 for the third consecutive year. What are the club’s goals this season? And your personal objectives?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> The collective goal is simple: it\u2019s about staying in Ligue 1. Personally, I feel I have made a solid comeback after my successful six-month stint, and I want to help the team secure its maintenance as quickly as possible. I will focus on delivering strong performances.<\/p>\n

FM: There has also been significant institutional change with a change in ownership and the arrival of Blue Crow. What are your thoughts on this new chapter?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> Honestly, my concern is the pitch. I focus on what I can provide on the field; everything off the pitch is beyond my control.<\/p>\n

FM: The African Cup of Nations will kick off in December, and Senegal is in Group D with DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. What do you think of this group?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> As a nation like Senegal, entering a tournament means we aim to win. The level of competition in Africa is high, and there are no weak teams anymore. Playing in Morocco offers excellent facilities; we will take it match by match to perform well. Losing in the Round of 16 against Ivory Coast hurt us deeply, and that remains fresh in our minds.<\/p>\n

“In The National Team, You Set Aside Your Ego!”<\/em><\/h2>\n

FM: You are currently second in the hierarchy behind Edouard Mendy. Doesn\u2019t that situation frustrate you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> When representing the national team, you set aside your ego. You\u2019re there to serve the nation. Edouard is a goalkeeper who has won the African Cup of Nations and has contributed greatly to the team. I cannot come in and claim the number one position. There is a hierarchy to respect. Everything I do is for the nation.<\/p>\n

FM: Turning back to HAC, you will soon get to experience Stade Oc\u00e9ane. Do you have a message for the supporters?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> Firstly, thank you so much. I have received numerous supportive messages on social media, and it means a lot to me being here. I will give my all to achieve the club’s goals.<\/p>\n

FM: Finally, would you have saved the penalty from Abdoulaye Tour\u00e9, who secured the team\u2019s retention during the last day by successfully taking a panenka against Strasbourg?<\/strong><\/p>\n

MD:<\/strong> (laughs) We haven’t discussed it yet, but I\u2019m not sure he had the “cojones” to do it again! (laughs).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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General News – 2<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Foot Mercato: Hello Mory, before we delve into your career, let\u2019s focus on the recent news. You have just joined Le Havre for two seasons. Can you explain this choice? Mory Diaw: The choice was quite simple. We had discussions back in December regarding a potential arrival here, but it did not materialize. Subsequently, I […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":156174,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[4180,29143,1014,23970],"class_list":["post-156173","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports","tag-discovered","tag-evident","tag-family","tag-havre"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156173","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=156173"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156173\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/156174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=156173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=156173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=156173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}