Barcelona secured an important 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the weekend to climb back above Real Madrid and into first place in La Liga.
However, star defender Jules Kounde was far from satisfied with the performance and issued a strong message to his teammates after the match.
The French international scored the equalizer late in the first half, before Robert Lewandowski netted Barcelona’s second just after the break. Despite creating several chances to extend their lead, Barça were left holding on in the closing stages as Real Sociedad pushed hard for a late equalizer.
Goalkeeper Álex Remiro kept the visitors in the game with several crucial saves, while Takefusa Kubo struck the crossbar in the final 10 minutes—highlighting how close the Basque side came to snatching a draw at the Olympic Stadium.
Speaking after the match, Kounde admitted he was frustrated with Barcelona’s inability to close out the game in a more controlled manner.
“It was a difficult win, more than we would’ve liked,” Kounde said. “I think we lacked control in the last 20–25 minutes. We were missing intensity and focus, and it was too easy for them to play through us. That forces us to run backwards and it makes you tired. In the end, we suffered.”
His words echo similar concerns raised by coach Hansi Flick earlier this season, who also criticized the squad for lowering their intensity once in front.
Kounde has now established himself in the starting lineup after beginning the season on the bench. The defender has started five of Barcelona’s last six matches and will play a key role as the Catalans prepare for their next challenge—a blockbuster clash against Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
