Barcelona ace Kounde makes a case for more prominence after goal vs Getafe: ‘Working hard to regain my place’

Barcelona ace Kounde makes a case for more prominence after goal vs Getafe: ‘Working hard to regain my place’ Jules Kounde is determined to rediscover his best form. The 27-year-old defender went into FC Barcelona’s match against Getafe having failed to play a single minute in the club’s previous three La Liga fixtures. This time, however, he started in Barcelona’s first match after the international break and made his opportunity count. A goal to cap his return to the starting line-up The French international scored Barcelona’s third goal in their 3-0 victory over Jose Bordalas’ side , using the occasion to underline his determination to win back his place in the team. “I feel good physically, and my head is in a good place too. I am working hard to regain my place and my level and to help the team. I feel good in every respect,” he said after the match, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo . Kounde started in a match in which Hansi Flick made several changes to his line-up. The Frenchman responded with a strong performance, rounding it off with a second-half goal after meeting a cross from Lamine Yamal. Kounde scored from Lamine’s assist. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The defender admitted he had been frustrated by an earlier missed opportunity and was determined to make amends. “In the second half, I could not leave the pitch without scoring,” he explained, pleased to have made a contribution at the attacking end as well. Asked whether he sees himself as a regular starter again, Kounde avoided making any predictions and left the decision to his manager. “That is a question for the coach. I am working hard to improve and find my best level. I feel good, strong and ready,” he said. The defender stressed that his priority is to keep improving and help Barcelona whenever he gets the opportunity. “I am happy to get on the pitch and help whenever it is my turn. We put in a disciplined performance, which was what we wanted, and the victory was deserved,” he added. Barcelona’s winning mentality remains strong Kounde also highlighted the importance of returning from the international break with a convincing win. Barcelona scored three goals without conceding, providing a timely boost in confidence ahead of a demanding period. Pushing for more minutes. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) “After the break, you have to win by any means necessary. Today, we controlled the game, scored three goals and did not concede,” he said. The 27-year-old star also praised the standards within the Barcelona dressing room. The Catalan side have now won all eight of their first eight La Liga matches, scoring 34 goals in the process. “We are focused and we do not stop. We always want more, and that is the atmosphere in the dressing room,” said Kounde. “We know we are doing things well, but we have to keep going because as soon as you drop your level, another team can come along and take advantage. We are in a good place,” he concluded. For Kounde, the performance against Getafe was an important step towards regaining his regular starting role. His immediate task is to maintain that level and convince Flick that he deserves to remain in the team.