Ousmane Diakité believes “everyone has a part to play” in Albion’s Sky Bet Championship endeavours in 2026/27.
The Baggies have their league curtain-raiser against Norwich City to look forward to at Carrow Road on Saturday (ko 3pm).
And they come into it full of confidence after beating Rotherham United in the Carabao Cup first round last weekend, where James Morrison’s men produced a slick goalscoring display to win 4-1 at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The midfielder says attacking performances like that put a smile on his face, and the Mali international insists the group are really excited to get the new term underway after working incredibly hard throughout pre-season in preparation.
He said: “Everyone is excited and we just can’t wait to get started. The objectives are clear ahead of the new season, the coaches have presented a vision for us and it’s now up to the players to give our all on the pitch.
“Pre-season has been a big challenge. Everyone has to play their part this season, the players, the gaffer, the fans - everyone has a contribution to make and together we can achieve something.
“We’ve been focusing on being together. We expect every team in the Championship to provide a challenge, but what we can be, is a team that never gives up.
“I know my responsibility in the team, and I have to do my part. Everyone has their part to play, and their responsibility within the group and I focus on that - if I can help my team-mates I will do it.
“I like to win the ball and help us in that way, I feel I’m focused to do that in this new challenge this season. We all want to go in the right direction together, and we won’t get there without each other.
“I’m the type of person who likes to learn and I’m always listening to the gaffer, I respect what he says, and in every single game, I want to know what he wants from me. We all want to improve, and I want to help the group wherever I can.
“I’m just excited for the season to start now, we’re ready. Every point counts, and every single game will be an important one for us, the challenge has increased and we’re set-up well for that.
“The gaffer and the staff have given us their vision, they’ve done their part, and it’s down to us to put that into action. We had such a good performance against Rotherham, because we want to win every game - the focus is the game.
“We can do lots of different aspects of the game well. I sometimes think to myself when I see my team-mates and think ‘wow, we have a good team’, it makes me happy and puts a smile on my face to see us playing well and scoring goals.”
