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Jules Kounde has brushed aside any suggestion of friction with Lamine Yamal after the young Spaniard’s confident statements ahead of the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain. The reigning Euro 2024 champions and the 2022 World Cup runners-up are set to lock horns on Tuesday for a spot in the final.

No tension between Barcelona teammates

Yamal’s bold remarks before facing the 2018 World Cup winners raised eyebrows, but the French defender insisted that his Barcelona colleague’s comments were not meant as disrespect. “At no point have we felt any lack of respect from Lamine,” Kounde said, addressing the speculation surrounding the teenager’s pre-match remarks.

The versatile Frenchman added that he fully understands Yamal’s mindset. “I know Lamine very well, and that kind of statement just shows his confidence and gives him extra motivation,” he explained.

Yamal’s confident comments ignite debate

The 17-year-old had stirred discussion after suggesting that it was France, not Spain, who should be wary of the upcoming clash in Dallas. “I think if France have to fear anyone, it should be us, in my opinion,” Yamal said following Spain’s 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-finals. “We were the ones who knocked them out before,” he added, referring to Spain’s victories against France in the Euro 2024 semi-final and the previous year’s Nations League encounter.

Named Player of the Match against Belgium, Yamal carried his confident tone into the build-up for the semi-final. “We fear no one,” he declared. “It’s clear we are two top national teams, both of very high quality, and for me they are among the best. We’ll see how it goes.”

Konate urges calm and humility

Yamal’s comments prompted a response from the French camp, with Real Madrid’s new signing Ibrahima Konate addressing the youngster’s remarks directly. “He can say what he wants. Honestly, we don’t listen to what he says. We shouldn’t fear anyone, but we must stay humble and avoid falling into that trap at this stage of the tournament,” Konate said during a press conference, emphasising that France were focused entirely on their preparations and not on the verbal exchanges.

Tactical duel for control

Shifting the focus back to the football itself, Kounde discussed the tactical challenge posed by Luis de la Fuente’s Spain. Known for their relentless possession-based game, Spain’s style will require France to make tactical adjustments if they hope to succeed. The French side, often reliant on defensive strength and quick counter-attacks, may need to modify their approach to upset Spain’s rhythm.

Kounde elaborated on the challenge of facing the three-time European champions: “Spain’s strength lies in their collective play and their control of possession. We play a slightly different game, more focused on transitions, but we also want to have the ball tomorrow to disrupt them. Against Spain, you can’t let them dominate possession for 90 minutes, because eventually they’ll find gaps and wear you down.”