Kounde insists Yamal’s confidence has not unsettled France

Kounde insists Yamal’s confidence has not unsettled France

Jules Kounde has played down suggestions that Lamine Yamal’s confident comments ahead of Spain’s World Cup semi-final against France have created tension.

The Euro 2024 winners face the 2022 World Cup finalists on Tuesday with a place in the final at stake.

While Yamal’s remarks appeared bold before the clash with France, Barcelona teammate Kounde insists there was no disrespect intended.

The defender believes the young winger’s confidence reflects his personality and has not affected the French squad’s preparations for the highly anticipated semi-final showdown.

"At no point have we felt a lack of respect from Lamine," Kounde told media.

"I know Lamine very well, and it is a sign of confidence and an extra motivation for him.

"Spain's strength is their collective, their possession. We have a slightly different game, based on transition, although we want to have the ball tomorrow to make them fail.

“Against Spain you can't let them have the ball for 90 minutes because in the end they find spaces and they tire you out."