Barcelona defender explains what has changed in the team under Flick, outlines season objectives

Barcelona will begin their UEFA Champions League journey for the 2024/25 season tomorrow when they take on AS Monaco at Stade Louis II.

The Blaugrana have made a stunning start to the new season, winning five in five in La Liga and will be eager to carry that form forward to Europe’s premier competition.

On the eve of the match, Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, who has been excelling in Hansi Flick’s setup this season, attended the press conference where he discussed various topics related to the team.

On the team and objectives

Kicking things off, Kounde tried to shed light on what had changed for this Barcelona team under Flick which has made them click so well at the start of the season.

“The team understands very well what the coach wants. There’s a new dynamic, his staff is on top of things and everyone does their job very well, starting with the strikers, who press very well,” he said.

“That gives us extra confidence and we all want to do it. That allows you to score goals and win games.”

A lot has been said about the change in Barcelona’s approach to the aspect of physical work and training under Hansi Flick this season. Giving his two cents on the matter, Kounde said:

“I think it’s a new way of working. We mustn’t throw away everything that Xavi had done, last season we had some difficult moments, but there were also moments when we were good physically.

“Now it’s a new way of working, the coach demands intensity at all times and that we are focused. We are understanding this very well and it is reflected on the pitch.”

After enduring a trophyless campaign last time out, Kounde made it abundantly clear that the goal for this season is to win trophies, including the UEFA Champions League.

“When you start this competition the objective is to win it, we know it is very difficult, a competition with a new format, to which we will have to adapt because there will be more matches, but the objective must be to compete,” he remarked.

“Last year we got to the quarter-finals and this year we want more.”

On whether revenge is on their mind after losing to Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy match, Kounde replied:

“It can be good for you, although this competition is different, it’s been a while, we’re in a good moment, they’ve won three games and one draw, so we’re ready for this game.”

On his personal form

As mentioned earlier, Kounde has impressed a great deal this season despite playing at right-back. When asked if he was enjoying his best moment at Barcelona, the ex-Sevilla man said:

“I don’t know, the team is going through a very good moment, since I arrived we’ve had good moments, but it’s true that the team is playing very well, I’m very happy and we have to continue like this.”

When asked about the improvement in his performances at right-back, he replied: “I leave it to those who are watching. What matters to me is to do my best and improve. It’s not a natural position for me because I’m a centre-back, but I like the challenge.

“Improving is something I’ve done since I was a kid. No matter where they put me and the circumstances, I give my best to perform.”

Discussing his relationship with Lamine Yamal, with whom he has forged a partnership on the right flank, Kounde said:

“He is a guy who also works for the team. It’s my role to guide him defensively because it’s my job and I’m older than him. It comes naturally to him, but sometimes you have to guide him.”

Fixture schedule and the new UCL format

Amidst growing concerns about the fixture schedule and the workload on players, Manchester City star Rodri recently suggested that footballers are considering going on a strike, and Kounde supported the idea, saying:

“I agree with everything Rodri said. The calendar is getting longer every year, every year there are more games, less rest time. Nobody pays any attention to us, to the main protagonists who are us, the players. The coaches have also asked for it.

“The only thing left is to go on strike. There are more and more injuries because there is less and less rest time and more matches or tournaments, like now the Club World Cup, which can reach 70 matches per season.”

Kounde also gave his thoughts on the new Champions League format for the season, with the traditional group stages making way for the new ‘League Phase’, saying;

“There are advantages and disadvantages, nothing is perfect. We have to try it to have an opinion. We are going to have to play more games, and that means more load.

“But in the new format, I think it’s more competitive, you play more teams, but I can’t say if it’s better or worse.”

Suggesting that the fixture pile-up was one of the main reason behind the plethora of injuries teams are facing this season, he said:

“The calendar is one of the reasons for injuries, as well as sleep, injuries, although it’s true that the pace of matches doesn’t help.”

Discussing the game against AS Monaco and what Barcelona can expect from the Ligue 1 club, Kounde remarked:

“I follow Ligue 1, it’s a championship that attracts me a lot and I know a lot of players. I follow the team, they’ve won three games and drawn another.

“They are a young team, but talented and physical. We will face an opponent with a lot of confidence, just like us. It will be a difficult match, but we approach it in the best possible way.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo