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2 weeks ago
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Barcelona’s void at right-back was a gaping problem at the club for several years, and only Dani Alves’ brief return appeared to fill the void.
Jules Kounde, initially playing as a stand-in right-back, however, has now made the position his own to the point that the club no longer consider the need to sign a new player in the position.
Over the years, the Frenchman has established himself and grown into his new niche and is now one of the first names on Hansi Flick’s team sheet. Last weekend, he once again delivered a sensational show to keep Vinicius Jr at bay in El Clasico.
Speaking to La Vanguardia in a recent interview, the Barcelona defender opened up on a plethora of topics including the team’s young talents, his role and evolution at the club.
Starting off, the former Sevilla star opened up on his training regime, which Hansi Flick even praised earlier this season as something he had never seen before. Elaborating on why he prioritised fitness to that extent, he revealed it was to avoid injuries which he hated.
“I hate getting injured, I hate it so much I can’t stand it so I do my best to avoid it.”
The player was then asked if he loved Barcelona from when he was a child, to which he interestingly replied that he never followed clubs but individual players.
“I used to support Bordeaux and I am more inclined towards the players than the clubs. I do not have the spirit of a fan. I loved Zidane and Ronaldinho,” he added.
On Hansi Flick and Xavi
Jules Kounde explained the difference between Flick and Xavi. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Speaking on how Hansi Flick is in the dressing room and off the field in terms of his demands for the players, Kounde said,
“Flick cares about every detail. He doesn’t just care about the players but also the technical and medical staff.”
“He also pays a lot of attention to behaviours, sometimes in training when someone is not behaving well he intervenes and corrects their behaviour and he is right to do so because in the end respect is what matters most,” he added.
A lot of slack has been thrown at Xavi ungratefully in recent weeks, especially given how the team has got off to a good start under Flick. Kounde, rightfully, had serious words of praise for the former manager.
“We must not forget what we achieved with Xavi. We must not underestimate the titles we have won: the league and the Super Cup.”
“At many moments during these two years we performed well, played well and the fans enjoyed it,” he added.
Speaking on what went wrong last season, the right-back said, “Last season we had very difficult moments but for me things are not always black or white, often times they are grey and that is how I see it.”
“Maybe we did good things and less but he always tried and he doesn’t need to prove anything because Barcelona is the club of his life, so Xavi shouldn’t be blamed for anything.”
Kounde was then asked if the team had improved under Flick conspicuously, to which he said it was because of the fresh ideas he brought.
“Yes, it is true because the basis of the players is the same and the coach came with a different dynamic and ideas.”
“Things are going well but it has only been 3 months and the analysis is at the end of the season, but it is true that so far we are doing a good job,” he added.
On Barcelona’s youngsters
Jules Kounde is impressed with Cubarsi. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The interview then moved towards the topic of the younger stars in the dressing room and the teenage core of the team.
“They have an extraordinary maturity for their age and I admire their ability to handle pressure,” Kounde began.
“In the locker room they are like children making noise that will crack your head,” he added.
Taking the example of Pau Cubarsi, he expressed his amazement at how the youngster was so mature for his age, something even he wasn’t at 17 years old.
“Look at Pau Cubarsi, I remember myself when I was 17 I wasn’t at this level and this confidence and calm, and that’s what amazes me the most, that things go smoothly with him and he handles the pressure naturally.”
On Lamine Yamal, the bonafide star on Barcelona’s right wing, he said,
“Lamine has only been here for one year and has become a key player and an influential player. When you watch him play, he looks like he is enjoying himself in his garden.”
Advice to Lamine Yamal
Kounde has nothing but praise for Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
While he did shower huge praise on the youngster, he added that he attempted to pass on knowledge to Yamal every now and then since they play on the same flank.
“Yes of course, this is my role, even if he plays at a high level, there are still things he has to learn and things he has not yet realised.”
“Lamine is a young man who listens, not only to me but to everyone, the coach and the experienced players. Even though he is a key player, he is a person who listens and this is very important for his future,” he added.
On the team’s defensive tactics
On Barcelona’s offside trap, which has been working wonders this season, the Frenchman revealed the conscious efforts being put behind the scenes to make it successful.
“Since the beginning of the season, we have been training a lot on the offside trap through videos. It is very important for the coach and requires intelligence and focus.”
Despite the extra effort, he revealed he enjoyed playing the offside trap and explained the reason behind his choice.
“I enjoy it, do you know why? Because this style allows the team to press, win the ball back in advanced areas and create chances, and I think the team understands that very well, even the strikers.”
“Defending should not be the job of only five players. We cannot play with a high defence if there is no pressure up front, otherwise we will be exposed. This will always be part of our identity,” he added.
Vinicius vs Yamal
Jules Kounde speaks on Vinicius vs Yamal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Kounde was then asked if it was more challenging going up against Vinicius Jr or Lamine Yamal in training, to which he said,
“Lamine and I are usually on the same team, and when he is against me, he plays against me.”
“Vinicius is a great and decisive player and it is very difficult to defend against him,” he added.
Finally, the star defender opened up on what he felt about gossiping. “I don’t mind gossiping. I do it off the court and enjoy it with my friends or when I watch it in the NBA. But when I’m playing I prefer not to waste my energy on it.”
