Konaté on Lamine Yamal's words: 'Stay humble and don't fall into that trap'

French defender Ibrahima Konaté has called for his team to maintain their humility as they prepare for a highly anticipated World Cup semifinal clash against Spain. Konaté emphasized that France's strategy will focus on the collective strength of the Spanish squad, rather than singling out any individual player, including the highly-touted Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal.

“

We have to maintain the humility we've had from the start and not fall into that trap, especially at this stage of the competition.

Konaté acknowledged hearing about Yamal's remarks suggesting that France should be the one fearing Spain, given France's past victories over them in major tournaments. However, Konaté downplayed the significance of such comments, urging his teammates to avoid complacency. "We have to maintain the humility we've had from the start and not fall into that trap, especially at this stage of the competition," Konaté stated.

“

Everyone can say what they want. We are going to try to prepare as best as possible and, at the end of the match, I hope the result will be favorable for us.

He further elaborated that while individual players can express their thoughts, France's priority is their own preparation. "Everyone can say what they want. We are going to try to prepare as best as possible and, at the end of the match, I hope the result will be favorable for us," Konaté added. The defender stressed that Spain is an exceptional team with numerous talented individuals, and focusing solely on one player would be a strategic error.

“

The objective is not to focus on one player in particular, because it is the whole team that can do damage. It's not just Lamine, it's the whole team.