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Barcelona will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign this Wednesday as they gear up to host Viktoria Plzen at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Having not lost even one of their four games so far this season and won the previous three, the Blaugrana have momentum on their side and will be aiming to kickstart their European journey on a strong note.
Ahead of the contest, new signing Jules Kounde attended the pre-match press conference along with manager Xavi and spoke about various topics, including his decision to snub Chelsea for Barcelona.
It is no secret that Chelsea were intent on signing Kounde but the Frenchman eventually opted to join the Blaugrana, after he held talks with Xavi. Shedding light on the same, the 23-year-old said:
“It was a clear decision to play for Barcelona and I decided to wait for them. I had a great chat with Xavi, and he explained his ideology to me which made my decision easy.”
Talking about Barcelona’s ambitions in the Champions League, he said: “I think the team is excited about the tournament, it’s a great competition, we want to participate in it and win it.
“We are in a good position, and the team is happy. We want to start the tournament in the best way possible.”
Kounde has made a good start at Barcelona even though he has been utilised as a right-back by Xavi. Opening up on his adaptation to the new club and the role, the ex-Sevilla ace stated:
“I’m happy with the team, there are some things I have to learn as well. I prefer playing as a central defender rather than full-back, but I will play in any position the coach asks me to.”
Kounde’s arrival, though, has affected veteran defender Gerard Pique, who is yet to play a single minute of football this term.
“I think he’s a very competitive player, and I’m sure he’ll have his minutes during the season. He will benefit us with his great experience and expertise. He helps new players a lot, and he’s an integral player for the team,” Kounde said about the club icon.
When quizzed if winning the Champions League was a realistic target for Barça, he replied: “Yes, of course, we are playing a tournament that we want to win. This is a commitment from Barca. We always strive to improve, and Xavi tries to implement his ideas in the team.“
However, the French international did warn that the team still had areas to improve, saying: “We are still at the beginning of the season, there are many things that need to be improved.”
On the quality of his new teammates, Kounde said: “Now the team has developed more and we have two or three players in each position. I’m not as surprised as I am happy to help the team.”
When asked if the quality of his defensive partners Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia surprised him, the centre-back responded: “Not really. They do a great job and we get along well. We have nice conversations together, and we strive to give the best to the team.”
Talking about their UCL group, he added: “Our Champions League group is a very competitive group. We will try to play and enjoy these matches. We have a team with many talents, and we are working to develop even further.
“We have a lot of players who can create a threat to our opponents, and the opposition has to take us seriously.”
Barcelona have let in just one goal in four games so far this season and Kounde credited the understanding between the defenders and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen for it.
“I think it’s teamwork between all the players, the defenders and the goalkeeper. When we have the ball, things get better and this is a good sign.”
Kounde acknowledged that he is keen on making the France squad for the World Cup and is working hard to improve his game, saying: “I strive to improve every day, there is a lot of room for improvement. Participation in the World Cup also motivates me and I strive to play well.”
Barcelona ranked second most valuable football team in the world
Bellerin makes his debut, Pique starts in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Cadiz
Bernardo’s father on failed Barcelona move: “Things should be done rationally, not emotionally”
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