Lamine Yamal has mentioned Spain will reply to Jens Lehmann on the pitch after the previous goalkeeper labelled them “inexperienced” forward of Friday’s Euro 2024 quarterfinal in opposition to Germany.
Spain, who’re the one crew to have gained all 4 of their video games on the event to this point, tackle hosts Germany in a mouthwatering tie in Stuttgart, with the winners then going through both Portugal or France within the semifinal.
Ex-Germany goalkeeper Lehmann acknowledged La Roja have had good outcomes to this point on the finals however questioned their common peak, youthfulness and lack of expertise.
“It is his opinion, what’s he going to say? He is German,” Barcelona winger Yamal, who will flip 17 the day earlier than the ultimate, mentioned in an interview with La Sexta.
“It is an try and destabilise us. We do not hearken to anybody, we are going to present what we’re on the pitch.
“Greater than assist Germany, it helps Spain, however one of the best factor is to indicate it on Friday. Let’s examine if we’re small and harmless.”
Lehmann’s feedback calling Luis de la Fuente’s facet “a crew of youngsters” sparked outrage again in Spain, with the frontpage of the nation’s largest sports activities newspaper, Marca, main with the remarks on Wednesday.
“Simply one other one who does not take us severely,” the headline learn.
Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, who will retire from soccer after Euro 2024, additionally reacted to Lehmann, distancing the nationwide crew from what he mentioned.
“[Lehmann’s] phrases do not signify us — he at all times has a barely completely different opinion,” Kroos mentioned in a information convention.
“[Spain] have demonstrated that they’ve expertise: Rodri, [Alvaro] Morata, Nacho [Fernández], [Dani] Carvajal … It is not true what he says.
“We expect a prime Spain facet. They play good soccer, however so can we. It will likely be a pleasant sport.”
Spain beat Georgia 4-1 within the spherical of 16 to advance to this stage having already crushed Croatia, Italy and Albania within the group stage.
Germany opened with back-to-back wins in opposition to Scotland and Hungary earlier than being held by Switzerland. They then beat Denmark 2-0 to arrange Friday’s assembly with Spain on the Stuttgart Area.
