France and Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konaté spoke to the media ahead of Les Bleus’ World Cup semi-final against Spain, touching on his recent move to the Spanish giants, France’s impressive tournament, and the challenge awaiting Didier Deschamps’ side.
Konaté also reflected on the atmosphere within the French camp, responded to comments from Spain star Lamine Yamal, and looked back on France’s previous defeat against La Roja.
Konaté on joining Real Madrid
The center-back admitted that signing for Real Madrid still feels surreal
despite fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
“Real Madrid is the biggest club in history. It’s an exceptional club. And how do I experience it? It’s a dream. But at the same time, it feels strange because, until you actually put on that shirt, I don’t think you really grasp what it means.”
France’s attack is built on the collective
France have been among the tournament’s standout attacking sides, but Konaté believes their success starts much deeper than the forwards.
“It’s normal that people are talking about what we’ve been showing since the start of this competition, because what we’re offering in attack is quite exceptional. But I think it all stems from a collective effort. I’m talking about the midfielders, the defenders, even Mike (Maignan). Honestly, what the team is doing is exceptional. Even the players coming off the bench… it’s incredible.”
Spain are more than just Lamine Yamal
While much of the pre-match discussion has centered around Spain’s teenage sensation, Konaté insisted France are preparing for Spain as a complete team rather than focusing on one individual.
“To be perfectly honest, we’re not specifically thinking about defending Lamine Yamal. Spain is an exceptional team, with many outstanding individual players. But the goal isn’t to focus on just one player, because the whole team can hurt you. It’s not just Lamine, it’s the whole of Spain.”
The mentality inside the France camp
Asked to describe the mood among the squad, Konaté joked before explaining how quickly the group transforms once matchday arrives.
“Bad. (Laughs) No, I say that because we have the ability to completely switch gears. The day before the match or during training, we’re joking around, everyone’s laughing, there’s a very childlike atmosphere, in the best sense of the word, although at the same time we remain very serious. But when the match arrives, even on the bus to the stadium, you see that each player enters a completely different state of mind. They all have the same obsession: to win. We all share the same common goal. That’s why I use that word to describe us.”
Response to Lamine Yamal’s comments
Konaté also downplayed pre-match mind games after Yamal said France should be the team feeling afraid.
“No. In all honesty, we don’t pay attention to everything that’s being said about the match. We shouldn’t be afraid of anyone. The important thing is to maintain the humility with which we started this competition and not fall into those kinds of traps, especially at a time like this. He can say whatever he wants. We’re going to prepare for the match in the best way possible, and I hope that when it’s over, the result will be in our favor.”
Looking back at France’s previous defeat to Spain
The Real Madrid defender believes France’s lack of familiarity at the back played a major role in their previous loss to Spain.
“We’re not going to lie: it was a very difficult match. But, honestly, if we’re honest with each other and with all due respect to all the players on this French team, that day the starting lineup against Spain, especially in defense, was made up of many players who had no chemistry with each other. It was the first time we’d all played together. And that was complicated. I think that if that situation had been different, I honestly don’t think the match would have unfolded the same way.”
Praise for Didier Deschamps
Finally, Konaté praised France manager Didier Deschamps, highlighting his honesty and his handling of a talented squad where not everyone can play.
“Deschamp’s management has been very good. Honestly, he’s very good. I think one of his greatest qualities is his honesty. Then, for players like me, who consider myself a leader, it’s clear that there’s frustration when you don’t play. That’s obvious. But the most important thing is to remember that this is a World Cup. You only get to play once every four years.”
