Jules Koundé Holds the Key to Stopping PSG
Barcelona's French defender Jules Koundé acknowledges the team's regained defensive strength, emphasizing its importance in the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal clash against PSG, featuring standout attackers like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembelé.
"We've reclaimed the defensive solidity that was our strength last year. It's easier to win matches when we're more focused and don't concede goals quickly," Koundé stated in the pre-match press conference.
"We defend collectively, starting from the front, conceding fewer chances, resulting in fewer goals against us. If you don't concede, you have more opportunities to win games. We realized we weren't doing things right and needed to change," the Frenchman affirmed.
Koundé highlighted the offensive threats of PSG, particularly Mbappé and Dembelé, whom he knows well from the national team.
"We need to be vigilant against them, but PSG is more than just those two. Kylian and Ousmane are very dangerous, game-changers. Ousmane is more of a dribbler, but both are players we need to keep an eye on," he commented on the characteristics of the Parisian attackers.
He also took a moment to praise his teammate Pau Cubarsí, who at 17, has secured a starting position: "He proves he's a great player, young, competes well, prepares well, trains well; he's an example for all young players from La Masia aspiring to reach the first team."
"Youngsters give us an extra edge; they play without pressure, relaxed, but they're ready, they give us something extra," he concluded the conference.
