Xavi and Jules kounde press conference ahead of our UCL toe against Shakhtar Donetsk. Xavi spoke about the game against Real Sociedad, Pedri, his time as manger in barca, the right back position, the UCL.
Here is what Jules kounde had to say;
Kounde on Pedri: He’s happy to be back. He will need a bit of time to get to 100% but he will help us massively.
Kounde continues: The last two games left us with mixed feelings but we will try to get better. All we are thinking about now is to win tomorrow.
Kounde: We didn’t play very well against Sociedad. During the season it’s normal to have games like this but we showed that we can get out of these situations and win.
Kounde: Struggling to play from the back? It’s a matter of intensity and communication. We need to improve in this aspect of the game.
Kounde on the right back position: Not playing anymore as a right back? This season I’m playing as a centre back and I’m happy about it but I will always play wherever the manager puts me.
Kounde on competition: I am delighted that Iñigo and Christensen are my team mates. The competition is good for everyone to keep improving.
Here is what Xavi had to say;
Xavi on the team improving with Pedri’s return: That’s for sure. Everytime players like Lewandowski, Raphinha or Pedri come back, the teams level increases. I’m happy that he’s back.
Xavi on the Real Sociedad game: Against Sociedad we lacked a lot of things but mostly intensity. We have been working to improve for tomorrow’s game and get another 3 points in the Champions League.
Xavi continues: Winning today will be vital. Like I said many times, the main objective in the Champions League for now ie to finish first in the group. We want to go little by little.
Xavi on his time as Barca head coach: I am very happy but I think that we are just half way through the process. We need to keep improving to be able to compete in Europe.
Xavi in the right back position: Both Kounde and Araujo can play in that position. Cancelo played a bit more forward in the past games but he will come back to play as right back.
Xavi continues: We need to take the games as they are. The two games against Madrid and Sociedad showed everyone how football can be unfair.
End of Xavi and Jules Kounde press conference.