Jules Kounde accepts challenge to win back Barcelona starting place

Jules Kounde says he must improve if he is to regain his place in Barcelona’s starting line-up after acknowledging that he has not matched the level he produced last season.

The France right-back has made fewer appearances for the Catalan club this term, with Eric Garcia being used at right-back instead. Kounde said he had no complaints about the decision and accepted responsibility for changing his situation.

“This is the coach’s decision,” Kounde said at a news conference on the eve of France’s meeting with Belgium in the fourth round of the Nations League.

“I feel that I am in excellent physical condition and I do not have any injury, but if I am playing less, it is because I have been below the level I showed last season.”

He added: “I see it as a challenge. I will continue working as I always do, because it is up to me to return to my best form. I know that when I am at my best, I will get the chance to play.”

Kounde’s position with the France national team has also changed since Zinedine Zidane took charge. Under previous manager Didier Deschamps, he had been a regular starter.

The defender began Zidane’s first match in charge and played the full game against Turkey on 25 September. However, he was not involved in the following matches against Belgium and Italy.

He now has the possibility of returning to the starting line-up when France face Belgium again at Saint-Denis stadium.

Kounde has welcomed Zidane’s early work with the national team, highlighting the manager’s willingness to communicate with players both on and off the pitch. He also praised the coaching staff’s focus on helping the squad develop.

“Zidane makes communication with him and the players easy. He likes speaking to us on and off the pitch, and the same applies to his coaching staff,” Kounde said.

“Everyone is ready to offer advice to help improve performances. I do not like comparisons, but the coach is working hard to make us an attacking team.”

Kounde also revealed that Zidane has asked him to refine parts of his game, particularly his work in possession and his ability to control the ball.

“I do not know whether there has been a radical change, but it fits with the coach’s collective desire to control games, especially through possession,” he said.

The Barcelona defender believes there is still considerable room for improvement in his own performances.

“I have a lot of scope to improve. I can waste less time and energy and be more direct,” he said.

“He also asks me to join attacks when the opportunity arises, but that is not something new for me.”