According to ESPN, Barcelona defender Jules Koundé has decided to end his vacation early and has already arrived at the team’s training camp in the United States, where he has begun preparing actively for the new season with his teammates. In an interview, Koundé believes that Barcelona should make a full effort to sign rumored target Nico Williams and expressed praise for new coach Thomas Flick’s coaching philosophy.
As the last player to join the squad after the Euros, Koundé had nothing but praise for the team atmosphere: “Barcelona’s goals remain the same as always; we play to win titles, which is our mission, and we are now ready. I believe some reinforcements would benefit the team, although I see that the head coach is very satisfied with the current squad, and there is a strong competitive atmosphere within the team.”
When it comes to transfers, one cannot avoid mentioning Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has been heavily linked with a move. As a player who faced him directly during the Euros, Koundé hopes the club will do everything possible to finalize this deal. Koundé said: “Nico is a very good player who performed excellently during the Euros and is also very young. We always want to play alongside top players. Let’s see what moves the club makes, it doesn’t depend on me, but if I had a say, I would be very happy to sign Nico.”
On a personal level, Koundé is ready to put the team’s interests above his own, stating: “Although I personally prefer playing as a center-back, I will play wherever the team needs me most. I’ve spoken with the coach, who, like Xavi, advocates high pressing and game control, and the training intensity is high. And I told him that whether it’s as a full-back or a center-back, I will give my all.”