Spain's Laporte responds to Lehmann's critics: "If we win, he will have to shut up"

Physical problems took their toll on him during the first few days of training camp at this European Championship, but Aymeric Laporte seems to have regained his place for De la Fuente. The centre-back, somewhat annoyed by the doubts that sometimes grow around his figure, also attacked Lehmann's statements about the "inexperience" of the Spanish national team.

Laporte had not paid much attention to those words from the former German goalkeeper, but he did want to talk about it during his chat on 'Radioestadio' on 'Onda Cero'. "We haven't talked about this in the dressing room. No, it's not bad for us, I think it's in our favour. If we beat them, he'll have to shut up. Nothing happens," he said.

"We know how well we have been able to play so far. If we play our football, as we have done in the group stage, we will probably do well. Anything can happen, but hopefully it will go well. We always have that mentality of not being too selfish and being able to hold out until the end," added the centre-back, happy to be back at a major tournament with Spain.

Still somewhat annoyed by the doubts about his physical condition, either because of his initial discomfort or because of his competitiveness in Arabia, Laporte was clear: "I wasn't injured, I was in good shape. The discomfort came after the first friendly. I felt something in training and I stopped for a few days. I'm not too worried about people doubting my professionalism. I don't have to vindicate myself every time something happens. I'm here to defend the national team. I do my job like the rest of my team-mates".