Kounde talks Lamine, Flick, Xavi, playing at right-back – ‘Always want to win and be the best’

In a recent interview with Barcelona’s official media channel, Jules Kounde opened up about his personal life while offering his thoughts on his transition to a fullback, among other things.

The interview started with a burning question about Hansi Flick and his observation on how Kounde is the player who looks after himself the most.

Kounde on his importance to the team

In response, the Frenchman said, “I try to get myself into the best possible shape. That requires a lot of work and a lot of training. In the end, football is my passion but also my job, so I take it very seriously. I am happy at how things are turning out.”

Kounde has become a key element in Hansi Flick’s defensive unit this season, which is evidenced by the fact that he has played in every game so far.

“The truth is I don’t. I have lost count as we play so many games, but I would say just under 40?” he said when asked about not missing any game.

The Frechman added that he does feel valued in the team, considering the fact that he hasn’t missed a single game so far.

“I feel valued, important. I think since I arrived in Barcelona I have always played a lot. We like to play football, have an important role and be able to play as much as possible. In the end, out on the field is where you most enjoy yourself. So, I am very happy.”

Kounde on playing as a full-back

Kounde was then asked the million-dollar question: Does the player now consider himself a full-back?

In response, the former Sevilla starlet said, “I am fine in that position. It’s true that it is a very different position to that of centre-half. So, I still need to work on some things, especially with the ball.

Is Kounde comfortable playing a right-back? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“Without the ball, of course, there are differences, but it is easier for me. The truth is that right now, full back, especially at Barça, is very demanding and that is understandable.”

When asked if he prefers defending or attacking, Kounde was clear: “Defending, defending always. I am a defender, I have a defender’s spirit, but I do enjoy more and more going forward.”

Despite his preference for defence, Kounde has bagged eight assists this season. When asked about his favourite assist, the player said, “My favourite? I think the three in the Champions League. That was special but let’s hope that the best is yet to come.”

A recent report had suggested that Kounde wants to become one of the best full-backs in the world. When asked about the same, the defender sounded rather confident.

“I have that ambition, it’s true. Because, whether it is football or playing cards, you always want to win and be the best. So, I do have that ambition, but the road is long because there have been many great full-backs at Barça and elsewhere,” he said.

Kounde recently moved up to fifth place on the all-time list of appearances for French players at Barcelona. When asked if he knew who was ahead of him, the Frenchman said, “Yes, I saw that not long ago. I think it’s Umtiti, Ousmane Dembele and Eric Abidal.”

On missing Clement Lenglet, the defender said, “Well, let’s hope I can get past him.”

Kounde on Flick’s high defensive line

Kounde was then asked what kind of clothing style would represent Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.

In response, the defender said, “Wow, it would be a style that you could compare to fun, attractive clothes. I need a bit more time to come up with a better comparison, but the truth is that it would be rather striking.“

The Frenchman went on to offer his thoughts on Flick’s high defensive line and whether or not he is comfortable with it.

“Yes, I do like it. The truth is that it is different to most coaches as it is very high, and we use offside, but I have always had coaches who like to press; for me, it has been easier to get used to this style.

“With Xavi, we also played with a high line. Maybe, not quite so much, but we wanted to press, be the boss and gain position. It’s a style that I like,” he said.

Kounde on Champions League and the road ahead

Following the recent win over SL Benfica, Barcelona have booked their place in the Champions League quarterfinals where they will take on Borussia Dortmund.

When asked if Barcelona are the team to beat in this season’s UCL, Kounde answered, “For me, these things are for the press. We just focus on ourselves and try to be a better team.

“It doesn’t really matter all the talk; in any case, to get there you have to work hard and show it out on the field.”

Kounde is desperate to win the Champions League (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“One of the favourites, yes. I think for how we came through the league phase and how we have played. But being favourites does not help you win. You have to have confidence, but at the same time respect for your opponents, I would love to take a picture with the Champions League,” he added.

Looking ahead to the crucial part of the season, Koundé addressed the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid.

“We didn’t like those two results because we want to win every game, especially against a direct rival. In any case, I think in those two games we played well and due to small details, the win got away from us on both occasions. So, we want to go there and win.”

As for Borussia Dortmund, Kounde admitted that the Germans have a fast attack and a mobile number nine, who could cause problems.

“They are a team with a lot of pace up front, very quick. They also have a very mobile number 9 who can find space and hold the ball up well.

“We met in the league phase and we took the win but it was tough. It will be again; we are expecting two tough matches in which we will have to play our best,” he said.

Finally, Kounde also talked about whether or not he feels like a leader in a team filled with youngsters.

“Yes, one of the more experiences because there are a lot of young players. I have been in football for a while, played in the World Cup, European Championships. So, that helps. It’s a position that I like; I can bring my experience and help the younger players,” he said.

The Frenchman even revealed his relationship with Lamine Yamal, stating, “I think we help each other; we get on well on and off the field. It’s a pleasure playing with him.

“I don’t tell him how to attack but I do talk to him on the field to help him; how to position himself defensively, because that is also my job.

“I am a defender and what I want is for the team to work well defensively. He’s a lad who work hard for the team and puts in a lot of effort. I am happy to play with him.”

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Kounde talks Lamine, Flick, Xavi, playing at right-back – ‘Always want to win and be the best’

Kounde on his importance to the team

Kounde on playing as a full-back

Kounde on Flick’s high defensive line

Kounde on Champions League and the road ahead

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