Euro 2024: Lamine Yamal responds to Jens Lehmann criticism - 'Let's see if we are small and innocent'
Published 04/07/2024 at 21:26 GMT+1
Lamine Yamal hit back at Jens Lehmann after the former Arsenal goalkeeper questioned Spain's lack of experience and height ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Germany on Friday. The 16-year-old has been a vibrant addition to Spain's squad, and provided quality in a dazzling side who qualified from their group with maximum points - the only team to do so.
All eyes on Yamal ahead of crunch Euro 2024 quarter-final between Spain and Germany
Video credit: SNTV
Lamine Yamal said Spain will "show what we are on the pitch", after former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann questioned La Roja's height and inexperience.
Yamal has been a key component for a dominant Spain side who have maintained a perfect winning record throughout Euro 2024 so far.
The 16-year-old has featured in every match so far for Luis de la Fuente's side and provided two assists as they became the only team to qualify from their group with maximum points.
While they have a youthful squad, Yamal said Spain would do their talking "on the pitch" after Lehmann's attempt to "destablise" the in-form team.
"It's his opinion, what's he going to say? He's German," Yamal said in an interview with La Sexta.
"It's an attempt to destabilise us. We don't listen to anyone, we will show what we are on the pitch.
"More than help Germany, it helps Spain, but the best thing is to show it on Friday. Let's see if we are small and innocent".
Lehmann acknowledged Spain's success so far, but referred to them as a "team of kids" while speaking to WeltTV ahead of their quarter-final clash with Germany on Friday.
Germany captain Toni Kroos distanced the team from the comments made by his compatriot, ensuring it was known that Lehmann's views were not representative of the tournament hosts.
"[Lehmann's] words don't represent us - he always has a slightly different opinion," Kroos said in a news conference.
"[Spain] have demonstrated that they have experience: Rodri, [Alvaro] Morata, Nacho [Fernandez], [Dani] Carvajal ... It's not true what he says.
"We are expecting a top Spain side. They play good football, but so do we. It will be a nice game."
Spain have showcased their class with key players such as Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Nico Williams dazzling on route to the quarter-finals, with nine goals scored and just one conceded.
Hosts Germany have also produced strong displays, starting with a 5-1 demolition of Scotland while easing to a 2-0 victory over Denmark in the last 16.
The tournament will be Kroos' final outing for his national team, with the midfielder's impending retirement from football.
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