‘Far below my standards’ – Jules Kounde talks struggle for minutes at Barcelona

Jules Kounde has been on media duty while with the France national team and has been asked about his lack of playing time at Barcelona.

The defender is no longer a guaranteed started under Hansi Flick at the Camp Nou and says that this is because of a drop in form last season.

However, Kounde is confident he can turn his situation around and force his way back into the starting XI at Barcelona.

“Those are my coach’s decisions. I feel very good physically. I have no injury,” he told reporters.

“If I have less playing time, it’s due to last season, which was far below my standards. It’s a consequence and a challenge that I gladly accept.

“I’ll have to work, which is what I normally do. It’s up to me to rediscover my best form. I know that when I’m at my best, I’ll get playing time.”

Kounde has also spent the last two France matches on the bench but says competition with Pierre Kalulu is a “source of motivation” and a “good thing for the team.”