Jules Kounde’s Call for Improvement Ahead of Crucial Champions League Clash
In anticipation of the forthcoming Champions League encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk, Jules Kounde shared his thoughts, emphasizing the need for improvement within the team.
“The locker room recognizes areas that require refinement, but we’re in good shape,” Kounde expressed. “We’re determined to secure a crucial victory, giving our best performance. Following our performance at Anoeta, we remain unwavering. While we didn’t feel great, our outlook is positive, and we’re committed to continuous work. Every team has off days, and we demonstrated our ability to endure challenges and respond effectively.”
Discussing challenges posed by high-pressure opponents, Kounde addressed the collective aspect. “Teams like Real Sociedad make it arduous for us to regain possession,” he remarked. “We’ve lost the ball frequently during throw-ins, highlighting the importance of communication, mobility, and intensity.”
Commenting on late-game fatigue and lapses in focus, Kounde pointed out, “From my perspective, it’s more about moments of disconnection. We need heightened concentration when defending. While we’ve incorporated new players, we remain a youthful team. Attention to detail is essential.”
Kounde’s words underline the team’s aspirations to enhance their defensive resilience against high-pressure opponents and close out matches more effectively. A victory over Shakhtar would secure Barcelona’s place in the Champions League knockout stages.