Jules Kounde: 'Barça's style under Flick is like fun, eye catching clothes'
A quiet type but a key member of Hansi Flick's team at Barça, Jules Kounde has featured in every single game for the blaugranes so far this season. The defender is still intent on working hard and improving and he is now settled at full back in the FC Barcelona back four. Relaxed and smiling, the Frenchman talks us through the upcoming challenges of games against Atlético Madrid and Borussia Dortmund and much else besides.
In a press conference, Hansi Flick said that he had never had a player who looks after himself as much as you do, that it was not that common. Did that surprise you?
(Laughing) 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. But, again, you must keep going, but I am happy at how things are turning out.
You haven’t missed a game this season. Do you know how many that is?
The truth is I don’t. I have lost count as we play so many games, but I would say just under 40?
42 of 42. Do you feel important in the squad?
Yes, I feel valued, important. I think since I arrived in Barcelona I have always played a lot, a lot of minutes on the field. 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.
At the moment you are a fixture at right back. I have seen a photograph of you as a youngster playing in goal. Then you moved to centre back and now to full back. Is this your position?
I am going to set the record straight. I never played in goal. It was in a tournament when I was little, I was eight or nine, I don’t remember. You can find that photo of me in goal but it was only that once.
So, your position has always been in defence.
Yes. I have moved around a bit but since I was 13 I have played in defence.
Now, do you feel like a full back 100%? Have you left behind being a centre back?
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. 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. I am trying to get used to having the ball and working on going forward to help the team more.
Do you prefer defending or attacking?
Defending, defending always. I am a defender, I have a defender’s spirit, but I do enjoy more and more going forward.
Do you think you can eventually be one of the best full backs in Barça history?
(Breathes in and laughs) Well, good question. 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.
Right now, you have made a little bit of history as after three years at Barça you have now moved to fifth on the all-time list of appearances for French players. Do you know who is ahead of you?
Yes, I saw that not long ago. I think, it’s Umtiti, Ousmane Dembélé and Éric Abidal.
You missed Lenglet, who is third.
Well, let’s hope I can get past him.
What style of clothes would Hansi Flick’s Barça be?
Wow, it would 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.
Do you like defending with the high line?
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 quits so much but we wanted to press, be the boss and gain position. It’s a style that I like.
With this style that defines the team, are you the best team in Europe? Do you feel like the team to beat in all competitions?
Really, 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 work hard and show it out on the field.
Now there is an important part of the season coming up. Atlético Madrid are next. Are you looking for revenge after the recent meetings at Montjuïc? The defeat in the league and the draw in the Copa del Rey in the last minute.
Of course. 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.
How do you think you can improve to keep a clean sheet against Simeone’s team?
I would say that we have to look after the ball even more, be focused and avoid mistakes. They take advantage of their opponents’ mistakes really well and they counter really well, above all. So, we have to take care of these two things.
From Atlético to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. What are the main dangers of the German team?
Well, 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.
Could you describe the quarter-final in a song?
In a song? It will be a game with a lot of intensity and bravery. I don’t know, tricky, TV off by Kendrick Lamar.
Looking even further ahead, do you think you are favourites to win the Champions League?
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.
Caution is a contrast with the effervescence of youth. In such a young squad, average age 26, do you feel like one of the more experienced members?
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.
One of the youngest is Lamine Yamal who plays in front of you. Going forward, does he give you advice about how to attack?
(Laughing) 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.
You get forward a lot in attack and make a difference. This season you have most assists with eight. Which one has been the best?
My favourite? I think the three in the Champions League. That was special but let’s hope that the best is yet to come.
What’s the best FC Barcelona photo that you have in your roll?
The last one, coming back on the plane from Saudi Arabia with the Super Cup.
And a photo that you don’t have but would like to?
One with the Champions League trophy.
What song describes you?
(Laughs) Very tricky. I can’t find a song quickly.
On the field you always seem really relaxed, but in contrast your dress sense is more daring. Why the difference in style?
I am still relaxed off the field but my style helps me to express myself; I am not a big talker so in the end it’s a form of expression.
How is your Catalan going?
Little by little. I understand it. I can understand more than speak.