Jules Kounde says his reduced playing time at Barcelona is a consequence of performing “well below” his usual standard last season, rather than an injury.
The France defender was speaking before the UEFA Nations League home match against Belgium, having also discussed his competition for a place in the national team, the arrival of Zidane and the development of his game.
“I’m in good physical condition with no injuries,” said Kounde. “My performance last season was well below my normal level, so this is a direct consequence of that.
“It’s a challenge I’m willing to accept. I need to keep working hard and find my best form again, because I know that when I’m at my best, I can hold this position and get playing time.”
Kounde said competition has always been a feature of the France squad and insists he does not feel additional pressure despite the emergence of new players.
The coach has encouraged those newcomers to reproduce the form that earned them selection at club level, rather than change their approach. Kounde said they had integrated smoothly, with many already familiar with one another from youth teams or club football.
He also praised Michael Olise, who often operates on the same flank. Kounde highlighted Olise’s technical quality, composure, passing, finishing and willingness to work for the team.
“He’s very well-rounded in all aspects of the game,” Kounde said.
Kounde added that France’s players were adapting well to Zidane, describing the coach as approachable and committed to communicating with the squad both on and off the pitch. He said the coaching staff were also readily available to provide advice.
The defender played down the significance of having fewer players involved in the traditional walk when the squad arrived at Clairefontaine on Monday. He said the moment remained popular, but added: “I dress for myself, first and foremost. There were still photographers there.”
France’s 14-day international break has also given the coach more opportunity to rotate the squad and assess his players. Kounde said it was too soon to decide whether the longer schedule was preferable, although playing so many matches in a short period remained demanding.
“We have one last match, and we want to finish strong,” he said.
Kounde described Mika Houtz, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and Belgium, as “a very good player”, while saying Jessie Bissouma had made a positive start at Barcelona. He praised the young winger’s pace and dribbling and said he had “a lot of potential”.
Asked about his own game, Kounde identified his intensity and defensive aggression as strengths, while saying he wanted to improve his attacking and technical qualities.
He said he had not yet discussed the upcoming Paris Saint-Germain versus Barcelona match with Dembele and Doue, as the squad remained focused on the training camp.
Kounde also praised Maignan, saying the goalkeeper had played three very good matches and remained a perfectionist who trained hard and studied match footage.
Although competition for France’s right-back position motivates him, Kounde said his main challenge was personal.
“It’s not the competition that drives me to develop other aspects of my game, but rather my personal desire to become a better player,” he said.
