Barcelona defender Jules Kounde says he’s not worried by recent criticism of his form and says he’s enjoying life at World Cup 2026 with France.
Kounde has openly admitted that he’d been been below par in the 2025-26 campaign for Barca but is now going for glory at the World Cup as part of a strong France team.
Speaking ahead of a last 16 tie with Paraguay, Kounde was asked about some of the criticism he’s received and insists it does not bother him.
“To be honest, I don’t read it. I hear it from time
to time, but honestly, I’m pretty impervious to it. It’s not something that worries me. I have the confidence of the coach and my teammates, which for me is the most important thing,” he stated.
“I also have a lot of confidence in myself. I know what I’m capable of, although it’s up to me to prove it and put it at the service of the French national team, which is what I always try to do. But I’m not at all worried about the criticism. I think I played well against Sweden, as did the whole team. Whether it was my best game, I don’t know.”
Kounde also says he’s feeling good as part of the France squad, who are one of the favorites for glory, and is coping well with the hot conditions.
“I’m managing it quite well. I feel better and better physically, thanks in part to the work,“ he added.
“It’s a pretty intense pace, and it’s true that the heat increases fatigue, but it’s something we’re adapting to and that we were already prepared for. We’re taking advantage of every day to recover properly. Hydration plays a key role. I feel great.”
The defender’s form in the 2025-26 campaign has led to speculation that he could be sold, but he’s insisted that he’s happy at Barcelona and wants to see out his current contract.
