Hat-trick hero Diomande looks forward to World Cup duel against Germany

Yan Diomande talks to the media after his first Bundesliga hat-trick.

RB Leipzig swept Eintracht Frankfurt aside with a half dozen goals in the Topspiel of matchday 14. Yan Diomande scored a second-half hat-trick to continue his fine form for the second-placed Bundesliga side.

“I feel very good, and I’m really happy about the game today,” said the winger. “Scoring three goals is a special moment for me. I’m happy for myself, but especially for the team. I listen to the coach, the team, and my teammates.

“Sometimes, not everything goes smoothly. There can be small problems. It is important to stay strong in the head, continue working on yourself, and to give your best again and again. I just try to do my job and improve myself.”

Diomande also talked about Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup game against Germany. Before their first competitive fixture on the global stage, the two teams will meet in a friendly in Stuttgart.

“It will be a good test in March to play against Germany because they are one of the strongest teams in the world. I’m looking forward to playing against David (Raum), Assan (Ouédraogo), and Ridle (Baku). That will be a lot of fun.”

FIFA confirmed the second group stage fixture between Germany and Côte d’Ivoire will be played in Toronto on June 20th. Diomande will be expected to be part of Emerse Faé’s squad as they bid to defend their AFCON title in Morocco.