Lass to help Anzhi win Europa League

Former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra, also known as Lass, says he fully shares the highs ambitions of his new club Anzhi Makhachkala.

­“I’m really motivated and coming to Russia is a new challenge for me,” Diarra said at a media-conference, at which he was officially presented as an Anzhi player. “Of course, it’ll take me some time to adapt to a new place. But I hope to find my rhythm as soon as possible. I’ll try to gain from what I learned while playing in Europe.”

“I’ll help Anzhi win a title this season,” he added.   

The 27-year-old midfielder arrived on a four-year deal from Real Madrid after a low-key transfer for the super-rich Dagestan club.

However, Guus Hiddink's side have also signed 23-year-old striker, Nikita Burmistrov, from fellow Russian side, Amkar.

Winning the Europa League is one of the primary tasks set by the Anzhi’s owners this season.

The Makhachkala team have had a great start in the competition which they entered in the second qualifying round.

Anzhi have all six of their matches, scoring an impressive 15 goals and conceding none.

Dirra and Co are drawn against English powerhouse Liverpool, Udinese from Italy’s Serie A and Swiss side Young Boys in the Europa League group stages.