Koundé reveals his ambition: to be the best right-back in the history of Barça

At the end of the 2022/23 season, Jules Koundé seemed to be resisting Xavi Hernández's insistence on keeping him fixed on the right side. This sparked transfer rumors about a potential move, which was far from reality, as the French international never had any intention of leaving Barça.

After a very complicated 23/24 season due to the collective performance, the '23' was one of the few positive notes, establishing himself as a right-back, a position he also occupied with his national team in the last Euro Cup. Following the arrival of Hansi Flick, the 26-year-old defender has stepped up, becoming one of the untouchables for the German coach and one of the best right-backs in the world.

In an interview for the 'Barça One' platform, Koundé explained how his mindset changed to accept staying on the side and becoming the best right-back in the history of the club. "I always want to win and be the best. So I have that ambition, but the road is very long because many great right-backs have played for Barça and in general," began the Parisian.

Jules Koundé and his adaptation as a full-back

Although Jules does not hide his enjoyment of contributing to offensive duties, he is also clear about being a natural defender, as he has played as a defender since he was 13 years old. "Full-backs here are asked for more, they are demanded more. It’s understandable. That’s why I’m trying to establish myself more with the ball and work on an offensive plan to help the team more," explained the Frenchman.

In this sense, he valued the role he has earned in the team since his arrival in 2022, first as a center-back and now as a full-back. "I feel important and valued. I believe that since my arrival in Barcelona, I have always had many minutes, a lot of playing time. We like to play football, to have prominence, to be able to play as much as possible. In the end, when we are on the field, that’s where we enjoy it the most," he added.

"It doesn’t matter if it’s in football or in a card game, I always want to win and be the best"

Regarding this, Koundé revealed the keys to his adaptation as a full-back, a role he had also played during his time at Sevilla. "I’m good in this position. It’s true that it’s very different from being a center-back. So I still need to work on some concepts, especially with the ball. I think that without the ball, of course, there are differences, but it’s easier for me."

Koundé explains the keys between Flick's style and Xavi's

On the other hand, the '23' explained the keys to Barça's change in style this season, following Flick's arrival. For Jules, although under Xavi they did not play with the defensive line so high, the objective was the same: to pressure the opponent's exit and have prominence through possession, a style he feels very comfortable with.

"It’s true that it’s very different (Flick) from many coaches because the line is very high and we play offside, but I have always had coaches who liked to press; so for me, it has been easier to get used to this style," he pointed out.

The desire for revenge from Barça against Atlético

Additionally, Koundé took the opportunity to talk about the match against Atlético this Sunday at the Metropolitano. The 'colchoneros' are the only team that Barça has not been able to beat in two official matches (loss in La Liga, draw in the Cup, both in Montjuïc), which is why the full-back did not hide his desire for revenge against a direct rival in the fight for both tournaments.

"I think in those two precedents we played two good matches, but that just by little details, we missed out on victory both times. So yes, we want to go there and win," expressed the Parisian. Finally, he revealed how he has managed to establish a lethal tandem with Lamine Yamal on the right. For Jules, his goal has been to help him understand how to assist in recovery from his position as a winger.

"In the end, I’m a defender and what I want is for the team to function well defensively. But he’s a kid who works very well for the team, who makes the efforts. So I’m very happy to play with him," commented Koundé, who this season is the only player from Barça present in all the matches played by the team (42) and the leader in minutes played (3,455').

About Lamine: "I think we help each other; we both get along very well on and off the field. It’s a pleasure to play with him"