Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has emphasized the need for players to shoulder the responsibility for the team’s lackluster performance this season.
Despite being only eight points adrift of the top spot, the reigning La Liga champions have fallen below expectations, particularly in games where they secured narrow one-goal victories.
The recent 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final and a close call against third-tier Unionistas in the Copa del Rey have heightened the pressure on manager Xavi. Kounde, however, urged the players to reflect on their individual and collective performances on the pitch.
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Speaking after the Unionistas game, Kounde told Teledeporte, “In the end, like the rest of the team, you can’t put everything down to one game. We have to look ahead, and the most important thing is to learn from our mistakes. We turned the page and achieved the victory. It was a disappointment, but we have talked, and we have to look forward. Today was important, and every game will be important. The team is eager to turn the situation around; it is what this club requires. [Club president Joan] Laporta encouraged us.
“Of course, in the end, you can talk about the coach, but we are the ones who play. So when there are bad results, it is our fault, of course. It’s up to us. We had to react; this game was important, and we have to move forward with intensity. I think that is what we need this year, and also to be more effective.”