In a latest interview with Barcelona’s official media channel, Jules Kounde opened up about his private life whereas providing his ideas on his transition to a fullback, amongst different issues.
The interview began with a burning query about Hansi Flick and his remark on how Kounde is the participant who takes care of himself probably the most.
Kounde on his significance to the group
In response, the Frenchman mentioned, “I attempt to get myself into the absolute best form. That requires loads of work and loads of coaching. Ultimately, soccer is my ardour but additionally my job, so I take it very critically. I’m joyful at how issues are turning out.”
Kounde has change into a key factor in Hansi Flick’s defensive unit this season, which is evidenced by the truth that he has performed in each recreation thus far.
“The reality is I don’t. I’ve misplaced depend as we play so many video games, however I’d say just below 40?” he mentioned when requested about not lacking any recreation.
The Frechman added that he does really feel valued within the group, contemplating the truth that he hasn’t missed a single recreation thus far.
“I really feel valued, essential. I feel since I arrived in Barcelona I’ve at all times performed rather a lot. We prefer to play soccer, have an essential position and be capable to play as a lot as potential. Ultimately, out on the sphere is the place you most take pleasure in your self. So, I’m very joyful.”
Kounde on enjoying as a full-back
Kounde was then requested the million-dollar query: Does the participant now think about himself a full-back?
In response, the previous Sevilla starlet mentioned, “I’m tremendous in that place. It’s true that it’s a very completely different place to that of centre-half. So, I nonetheless must work on some issues, particularly with the ball.
Is Kounde comfy enjoying a right-back? (Photograph by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Pictures)
“With out the ball, after all, there are variations, however it’s simpler for me. The reality is that proper now, full again, particularly at Barça, may be very demanding and that’s comprehensible.”
When requested if he prefers defending or attacking, Kounde was clear: “Defending, defending at all times. I’m a defender, I’ve a defender’s spirit, however I do take pleasure in increasingly going ahead.”
Regardless of his choice for defence, Kounde has bagged eight assists this season. When requested about his favorite help, the participant mentioned, “My favorite? I feel the three within the Champions League. That was particular however let’s hope that the very best is but to return.”
A latest report had instructed that Kounde desires to change into the most effective full-backs on the earth. When requested about the identical, the defender sounded slightly assured.
“I’ve that ambition, it’s true. As a result of, whether or not it’s soccer or enjoying playing cards, you at all times need to win and be the very best. So, I do have that ambition, however the highway is lengthy as a result of there have been many nice full-backs at Barça and elsewhere,” he mentioned.
Kounde not too long ago moved as much as fifth place on the all-time record of appearances for French gamers at Barcelona. When requested if he knew who was forward of him, the Frenchman mentioned, “Sure, I noticed that not way back. I feel it’s Umtiti, Ousmane Dembele and Eric Abidal.”
On lacking Clement Lenglet, the defender mentioned, “Effectively, let’s hope I can get previous him.”
Kounde on Flick’s excessive defensive position
Kounde was then requested what sort of clothes model would characterize Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.
In response, the defender mentioned, “Wow, it will be a method that you can examine to enjoyable, enticing garments. I would like a bit extra time to give you a greater comparability, however the fact is that it will be slightly putting.“
The Frenchman went on to supply his ideas on Flick’s excessive defensive position and whether or not or not he’s comfy with it.
“Sure, I do prefer it. The reality is that it’s completely different to most coaches as it is extremely excessive, and we use offside, however I’ve at all times had coaches who prefer to press; for me, it has been simpler to get used to this model.
“With Xavi, we additionally performed with a excessive line. Possibly, not fairly a lot, however we wished to press, be the boss and acquire place. It’s a method that I like,” he mentioned.
Kounde on Champions League and the highway forward
Following the latest win over SL Benfica, Barcelona have booked their place within the Champions League quarterfinals the place they may tackle Borussia Dortmund.
When requested if Barcelona are the group to beat on this season’s UCL, Kounde answered, “For me, this stuff are for the press. We simply deal with ourselves and attempt to be a greater group.
“It doesn’t actually matter all of the speak; in any case, to get there it’s a must to work exhausting and present it out on the sphere.”
Kounde is determined to win the Champions League (Photograph by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Pictures)
“One of many favourites, sure. I feel for the way we got here by the league part and the way now we have performed. However being favourites doesn’t provide help to win. You must have faith, however on the identical time respect to your opponents, I’d like to take an image with the Champions League,” he added.
Waiting for the essential a part of the season, Koundé addressed the upcoming match in opposition to Atletico Madrid.
“We didn’t like these two outcomes as a result of we need to win each recreation, particularly in opposition to a direct rival. In any case, I feel in these two video games we performed properly and resulting from small particulars, the win received away from us on each events. So, we need to go there and win.”
As for Borussia Dortmund, Kounde admitted that the Germans have a quick assault and a cellular quantity 9, who may trigger issues.
“They’re a group with loads of tempo up entrance, very fast. In addition they have a really cellular quantity 9 who can discover area and maintain the ball up properly.
“We met within the league part and we took the win however it was powerful. It is going to be once more; we predict two powerful matches during which we should play our greatest,” he mentioned.
Lastly, Kounde additionally talked about whether or not or not he appears like a pacesetter in a group full of kids.
“Sure, one of many extra experiences as a result of there are loads of younger gamers. I’ve been in soccer for some time, performed within the World Cup, European Championships. So, that helps. It’s a place that I like; I can convey my expertise and assist the youthful gamers,” he mentioned.
The Frenchman even revealed his relationship with Lamine Yamal, stating, “I feel we assist one another; we hit it off on and off the sphere. It’s a pleasure enjoying with him.
“I don’t inform him methods to assault however I do speak to him on the sphere to assist him; methods to place himself defensively, as a result of that can be my job.
“I’m a defender and what I need is for the group to work properly defensively. He’s a lad who work exhausting for the group and places in loads of effort. I’m joyful to play with him.”