Barcelona defender shares reason for rejecting chance to sign for Chelsea
Jules Kounde disclosed that Barcelona manager Xavi was instrumental in his decision to transfer to Camp Nou in the summer despite Chelsea’s interest.
The Premier League team was rumored to be on the verge of signing the Frenchman, but Barcelona beat them to the punch to sign him from Sevilla.
The center-back was ultimately registered by Barcelona prior to their league match against Real Valladolid on August 28, and he has contributed three assists in five early-season games for the Catalan club.
Kounde has stated that he discussed the “idea” at Stamford Bridge with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, but the 23-year-old “just liked Xavi’s speech.”
“I spoke to Tuchel, who gave me a speech and explained his project to me. I felt he wanted to convince me to join Chelsea. But I simply preferred Xavi’s speech when he called me and explained his project,” the defender told L’Equipe.
“Before signing for Barca I had a conversation with Xavi. We talked about football. I felt huge confidence. Xavi had a real knowledge of my game and my qualities. He knew me very well and I felt confident.
“When I spoke to Xavi for the first time, he told me that my qualities corresponded to his game plan. Starting plays from the back, making use of my speed and anticipation.
“Xavi told me that he wanted an aggressive team, he told me ‘We are one of the teams that press high, that run the most. I see you in my system’. And I also saw myself playing in that system. I saw myself in that team.
“I’m coming to Barca for a new project, but I wouldn’t call it a rebuilding project. We already have a competitive team.
“In the summer I was interested in being part of this new Barca team. I want to win titles and help Barca to be where they have always been, among the best clubs in the world.”
Barcelona defender shares reason for rejecting chance to sign for Chelsea
