Jules Kounde spoke about Xavi’s project, his ambitions, his transfer saga, objectives of this season, his relationship with Tchouaméni, the rise of Barcelona, and the conversation with Xavi ahead of his move to Barcelona.
Kounde on Barca’s project under Xavi:
“I have arrived at a huge club. a club which has known good times, less recently but yes. I won’t call this project a ‘reconstruction’ because we already have a competitive team, I’d call it a ‘rebound’ team.”
Kounde on his objectives:
“I came here to win titles and to put Barcelona back to where it belongs, among the best. Then there was the conversation with Xavi. We talked about football, mainly. I felt real confidence, real knowledge of my game and my qualities.”
Kounde on his conservation with Xavi:
“Xavi told me that my qualities correspond to his style, building from the back, playing high, and using my qualities of speed and anticipation. He envisioned me in this team and so did I. I also saw the crazy rise they made in the second half of last season”
Kounde on preferring Barca over Chelsea:
“Yes I was also close to joining Chelsea, but when Xavi called me I didn’t hesitate. Tuchel also called me but I simply preferred Xavi’s speech.”
Kounde on Barca’s aggressive playing style:
“It’s more difficult to defend at Barcelona than Sevilla because we leave more space behind us. Xavi has told us that we should be aggressive. He wants us to be vertical with the ball, rush into space without looking back and go forward passing the ball.”
Xavi on this season’s objectives:
“To win it all with Barcelona. We have the ambition to win every competition we participate in. With France it’s the same, I want to win the World Cup and I think we have a great team.”
Kounde on his relationship with Tchouaméni:
“Since we left Bordeaux we have never faced each other but there will be no pity. Even when we play cards or something there is no mercy so on the field it’s even less. The Champions League is everyone’s destiny.
