Konate also says the Spanish threat runs far deeper than Lamine Yamal, who had claimed "if anyone should be afraid, it's them - we already eliminated them from the Euros." It was also the centre-back's first time speaking publicly since his move to Real Madrid was confirmed, a transfer he admitted he still hasn't fully processed.
Asked whether France's defensive work and counter-pressing get enough credit alongside the team's attacking talent, Konate pushed back on the narrative.
"It's normal that people talk about what we've been showing since the start of this competition, because what we're producing in attack is pretty exceptional," he said. "But I think it all starts with collective work. I'm talking about the midfielders, the defenders, even Mike (Maignan).
"Honestly, what this team is doing is exceptional. Even the players coming off the bench... it's crazy."
On how France plan to stop Yamal specifically, Konate insisted there was no special plan built around one player.
"With complete honesty, we don't think about that specifically. Spain is an exceptional side, with a huge number of individuals of enormous quality. But the goal isn't to focus on a single player, because the whole team can hurt you. It's not just Lamine, it's all of Spain."
Pressed to sum up France's mentality in one word, Konate laughed before landing on an unexpected answer.
"Bad. (Laughs) No, I say that because we have the ability to completely switch mindset. The day before the game, or during training, we're joking around, everyone's laughing, there's a very childish atmosphere in the good sense of the word, even though we stay very serious at the same time. But when it's time for the match, even on the bus on the way to the stadium, you see every player enter a completely different mental state. Everyone shares the same obsession: winning. That's why I use that word to describe us."
Konate was equally candid about his new life as a Real Madrid player who has yet to actually play for the club.
"It's 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's strange, because until you put on that shirt, I don't think you really realise what it means."
Told again about Yamal's comments, Konate dismissed any suggestion of fear.
"No. Honestly, we don't pay attention to everything that gets said around the game. There's no need to be afraid of anyone. What matters is keeping the humility we started this competition with, and not falling into that kind of trap, especially at a moment like this. He can say what he wants. We're going to prepare for the game in the best way possible, and I hope that when it's over, the result favours us."
Asked about Bastille Day falling the following day, Konate offered a pointed, personal response.
"The 14th of July? You really want to know what it means to me? For someone who comes from a certain neighbourhood... Look, I'll do you a favour. I'll show you videos of what used to happen in my neighbourhood on the 14th of July, or what I used to do. Would that work for you? Then someone will take that video, post it on social media, and that'll be that..."
Reflecting on France's previous meeting with Spain, Konate was frank about what went wrong.
"We won't lie: it was a very difficult match. But honestly, being honest with ourselves and with all the respect I have for every player in this France squad, the team that started that day against Spain, especially in the back line, had a lot of players with zero understanding between them. It was the first time we'd all played together. And that was difficult. I think if that had been different, I honestly don't think the game would have gone the same way."
On Didier Deschamps' management, Konate was warm in his praise.
"He's very good. Honestly, he's very good. I think one of his biggest qualities is honesty. For a player like me, who considers himself a leader, there's obviously frustration when you're not playing. That's clear. But the most important thing is to remember this is a World Cup. It only happens once every four years."