Konaté: We're Not Afraid of Spain

Ibrahima Konaté has dismissed Lamine Yamal’s claim that France should fear Spain before their semi-final meeting, insisting Didier Deschamps’ squad will not be dragged into the winger’s comments.

Konaté said France are focused on preparation rather than talk away from the pitch. He said humility matters, and added that Spain’s players can say what they like without affecting the French camp.

“We do not need to be afraid of anyone,” Konaté told reporters. “The important thing is to stay humble and not fall into these traps.”

The centre-back also rejected the idea of building France’s game plan around stopping one player. He said Spain are dangerous as a team, not just through Yamal, and that their quality runs through the whole side.

Konaté also reflected on France’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, saying the defensive unit that started that night had little time together. He suggested the result might have been different with a more settled line-up.