A well-disciplined team usually knows not to hand its upcoming opponents free motivation, and Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany side has been that on and off the field so far at EURO 2024.
However, retired veterans do not tend to show the same restraint. Such was the case with former Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal FC, and Germany keeper Jens Lehmann, whose comments about his nation’s quarterfinals opponents provoked a reaction.
Lehmann gave a nod to Spain’s superior technique — no small praise given the caliber of German players at this tournament — but added: “But they’re small in terms of height, and they’re inexperienced. They’re a team of kids. They have very young players. They don’t have much international experience,” in comments captured by Goal.com.
Naturally that has caught the attention of Spain’s dressing room, some of which were captured by @iMiaSanMia.
“It’s his opinion, what’s he going to say? He’s German. It’s an attempt to destabilize us,” said 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal for laSexta TV. “We don’t listen to anyone, we will show what we are on the pitch. It helps us more than it helps Germany, but the best thing is to show it on Friday. Let’s see if we are small and inexperienced.”
The FC Barcelona star is already a key figure for club and country despite his age. At the other end of the spectrum is Aymeric Laporte, the 30-year-old veteran and former Manchester City star, now at Al-Nassr.
“We haven’t talked about that in the dressing room. It doesn’t make us feel bad, I think it even suits us. That means if we beat them, he’ll have to shut up. It’s not a big deal,” Laporte remarked for Onda Cero.
Was it wise for Lehmann to set off a mini controversy? We will find out on Friday when Germany and Spain settle matters on the field.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s big matchup with Spain in the EURO 2024 quarterfinals? Then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show where we break down how excited fans should be, two key positional showdowns on the pitch, a guess at Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI and a prediction on the game! You can get the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show on Spotify or below: