"You must follow it because you get results" - Barcelona star Joules Kounde opens up on secret behind brilliant start to the season
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has revealed the work he's been doing behind the scenes after displaying great form so far this season in Spain. In particular, the French defender opened up about his rigorous fitness regime.
The Blaugrana have had an excellent start to the 2024-25 campaign. Hansi Flick's side leads the LaLiga table by six points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, having thrashed them 4-0 in the El Clasico last month.
Barcelona are sixth in the Champions League standings after three wins and a loss so far in Europe and are three points off of league leaders Liverpool. Kounde has played a key role under Flick this term.
The France international, predominantly a center-half, has been switched to right-back and has put on some impressive performances. Kounde has contributed a goal and four assists this term, starting 15 of Barcelona's 17 fixtures so far across competitions.
Speaking on a program hosted by The Bridge, Kounde disclosed the secret behind his successful start, attributing it to how he takes care of his fitness. The 26-year-old said (as quoted by Barca Universal):
"I wanted to optimize my performance. It’s a need that you create and, if you don’t do it, you don’t feel good."
He added:
"In the end, it becomes a habit and you must follow it because you get results."
Barcelona will next face Celta Vigo in LaLiga on November 23 after the international break.
Barcelona star Jules Kounde speaks on switching positions and potential future as a coach
During the aforementioned program, Jules Kounde also opened up about his new position under Hansi Flick. The Frenchman admitted that he's still working on settling into his new role.
Kounde has made 232 appearances as a center-back, his natural position, over the course of his career while playing as a right-back 72 times as well. When asked about this role change, the Barcelona defender said:
“I understand that I have changed position and that requires other things. I’m working on it.”
The footballing world has seen many cases of players who've gone on to be proficient managers. Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, to name a few.
When asked if he sees himself entering the world of management after hanging up his boots, Kounde said:
“I don’t see myself as a coach. But I see the player-trainer relationships as very interesting. It’s too much stress. Being a technician is very complicated.”
Kounde has made 105 appearances for the Blaugrana since his arrival in 2022, recording four goals and 14 assists.