Barcelona defender accepts his lack of game-time under Hansi Flick – “I was below standards”

Barcelona defender accepts his lack of game-time under Hansi Flick – “I was below standards” In a season where Barcelona have looked the most dominant under Hansi Flick, it has been a rather disappointing one so far for Jules Kounde. The Frenchman has fallen behind in the pecking order and is no longer a guaranteed starter in the team, with Hansi Flick considering Eric Garcia as his number one choice at right-back. Kounde, for his part, has accepted his fate and understands that he is no longer a starter because of his performances. Kounde explains his position Kounde has barely featured for Barcelona this season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) In a recent interview, Kounde has explained his reduced role at Barcelona, insisting it is purely down to a technical decision. “I don’t have any injuries. It’s my coach’s decision,” Kounde said (h/t Diario SPORT ) when asked about his limited minutes at the start of the season. The defender was also self-critical, directly linking his current situation to a below-par campaign last term. “It’s a consequence of the previous season, in which I was below my standards, ” he acknowledged. Rather than making excuses, Kounde embraced the challenge of winning back his place. “It’s a challenge that I accept. It’s up to me to recover my sensations because I know that, when I’m at my best level, I can have minutes,” he said. A contrast with his France role Kounde’s diminished standing at Barcelona is in stark contrast to his importance for France, where he has been named vice-captain under new coach Zinedine Zidane. “He is a coach who is very close to his players, who talks a lot with us both on and off the pitch,” he said. Kounde has been appreciative of Zidane. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) He believes that environment could help him develop. “I have a lot of room for progression in making fewer mistakes with the ball. I can also bring more verticality,” he said. Despite the emergence of new competition in the France setup, Kounde refused to feel threatened. “There has always been competition in the French national team, with a very high level of youth teams. I don’t know if there are more now than before, but it is a source of motivation. The battle is, above all, against myself,” he said. Kounde on Olise and Maignan Kounde also reserved warm words for some of his France colleagues, including the in-form Michael Olise. On the winger, Kounde highlighted “the quality and technical ease” Olise possesses, along with his work rate and talent in both finishing and passing. He was equally complimentary of goalkeeper Mike Maignan. “I’m very happy to see him perform like this. We are all aware of its quality,” Kounde said. Given that Kounde is aware of his standing in the Barcelona setup, it will be interesting to see what’s in store for the player’s future, with Chelsea among the clubs interested in his services. The coming few weeks are going to be important for the French international, as the injury to Andreas Christensen should pave the way for him to get more regular minutes .