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Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has said that he hopes to continue playing in central defence. However, he added that he's prepared to switch positions if the need arises.
Kounde spent a lot of the 2022-23 season, his debut campaign at the Camp Nou, at right-back. The Blaugrana could not sign an out-and-out right-sided defender, and the Frenchman's impressive displays made him an undisputed starter in the position.
As per Transfermarkt, 21 of his 40 appearances across competitions last term were at right-back. This season, though, Xavi has deployed Kounde in central defence in all four La Liga games. The expectation is that it will continue, and the 24-year-old has hinted that that it's his wish as well.
Kounde told Esport3 about his run in central defence (as quoted by Barca Universal):
“I hope it continues! But the most important thing is always the team. I try to perform wherever I play. I am always available for the coach.”
Injuries to Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen have meant that Barcelona have needed Kounde's solidity and reading of the game at centre-back. With him in central defense, Araujo and Sergi Roberto have played at right-back in the first four games of the season.
Joao Cancelo's arrival on a straight loan from Manchester City earlier this summer means the Blaugrana finally have a traditional right-back. As a result, many fans and analysts believe Kounde is set to continue in his preferred position.
In four games this campaign, he has averaged 1.0 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 4.3 balls recovered, 5.0 clearances and 5.8 duels won per game. Kounde has helped Barcelona keep two clean sheets while also delivering a goal and creating one big chance.
"Our goal is to win again" - Jules Kounde outlines Barcelona's objectives in La Liga this season
Barcelona eased their way to the 2022-23 La Liga title, ending the campaign 10 points clear of Real Madrid despite a dip in form after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. According to Jules Kounde, their objective is to make it two straight league titles.
During the same interview, the Frenchman said (as quoted by Barca Universal):
“Our goal is to win again. There are (Real) Madrid and Atletico competing with us, but I think it will be a battle. There are, of course, other teams. There are many teams. They play well and have good players.
“The goal, of course, is to win again. I think we have everything to do it, and as we said, it’s about hard work. Let’s forget what we achieved last year because this year will be more difficult.”
Barcelona have picked up 10 points from their first four league games this term and are two points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Later in the aforementioned interview, Kounde added that the Blaugrana want to progress to the knockouts of the UEFA Champions League. Xavi's men have been eliminated in the group stage in the last two campaigns.
Barcelona have been drawn with Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp in Group H of the competition this season.
