Kounde's Confidence Crisis: France Star Fights for Barca Spot

Jules Kounde has openly acknowledged that his performance over the last year has fallen below his expected standards. Once a non-negotiable fixture in Barcelona's defense and the French national team, Kounde has experienced a notable dip in form, often being beaten for pace and caught in possession.

However, Kounde showcased a strong resurgence during France's World Cup opener against Senegal. In that match, he successfully prevented any opponent from dribbling past him, won three of four tackles, and secured five possessions. This performance offers a hopeful sign of recovery.

Kounde aims to translate this renewed confidence and form into Barcelona's pre-season and the upcoming 2026/27 campaign. His goal is to consistently reclaim his starting position, especially with competition from Joao Cancelo potentially becoming permanent.