Koundé defends Yamal's comments ahead of Spain clash

Jules Koundé has sought to defuse tensions ahead of the highly anticipated Spain-France semifinal, responding to comments made by his Barcelona teammate, Lamine Yamal. Yamal had suggested that France could not claim superiority if they had not beaten Spain in recent encounters, including Spain's victories in the Euro and Nations League semifinals.

“

No, at no time did we feel it was disrespectful. I know Lamine very well. I know what he's like, and for me, it's a sign of confidence. He also does it at Barça. He trusts a lot in his virtues and those of the team he plays for, so nothing, I see it as extra motivation for him.

Koundé, speaking at a press conference, dismissed the notion that Yamal's words were disrespectful. "No, at no time did we feel it was disrespectful. I know Lamine very well. I know what he's like, and for me, it's a sign of confidence," Koundé stated. He added, "He also does it at Barça. He trusts a lot in his virtues and those of the team he plays for, so nothing, I see it as extra motivation for him."

Shifting to tactical considerations, the French defender described both teams as offensive and possession-oriented. He acknowledged Spain's historical style of playing with the ball but also noted their ability to threaten on transitions. "They are two very offensive teams, who like to have the ball. We know that, historically, Spain has played a possession game, although they can also hurt you on transitions," Koundé observed.

“

They are two very offensive teams, who like to have the ball. We know that, historically, Spain has played a possession game, although they can also hurt you on transitions.

Koundé outlined France's strategy, highlighting their own comfort with possession and ability to exploit counter-attacks. "We are also a team that is comfortable with the ball, pinning the opponent back, or we can play a little lower and exploit transitions because we have a lot of quality to play like that," he explained. He stressed the importance of securing possession, concluding, "We are going to seek to have the ball, because you cannot let Spain have the ball for 90 minutes, because in the end they find spaces and tire you out."

“

We are also a team that is comfortable with the ball, pinning the opponent back, or we can play a little lower and exploit transitions because we have a lot of quality to play like that. We are going to seek to have the ball, because you cannot let Spain have the ball for 90 minutes, because in the end they find spaces and tire you out.