Jules Kunde Encourages Barcelona Players To Take Responsibility For Poor Performance

Barcelona defender Jules Kunde, in the match vs Real Madrid (PHOTO: X @jkeey4).

JAKARTA - Barcelona defender Jules Kunde has encouraged the players to take responsibility for the team's poor performance this season.

The defending La Liga champion showed an unsatisfactory title defense this season. Despite being only eight points adrift of the top of the table, Barcelona's performance during the match was far below expectations, often relying on narrow wins.

Barcelona recently lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final, before going through the Copa del Rey tough round against Unionistas, and such performance increased pressure on manager Xavi.

However, Kounde encouraged the players to look at themselves and address their poor performances on the pitch during this year.

"In the end, like any other team, you can't blame everything for one game," Kounde told Teledeporte after the game against Unionistas. "We have to look forward and the most important thing is to learn from our mistakes.

"We turned the page and managed to win. It was a disappointment, but we have spoken and we have to look forward. Today it is important and every game will be important. The team is excited to change this situation, that's what this club needs. The club president, Joan Laporta, encouraged us," he said.

"Of course, in the end we can talk about coaches but we play, so when bad results exist, of course it's our fault. It's up to us. We have to react, this game is important and we have to move forward with intensity. I think that's what we need this year, and it's also becoming more effective," he added.

Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, publicly supports Xavi facing claims that he has lost support for the dressing room, while Xavi himself has admitted that he will step down from his job if he feels the mood is changing.

Barcelona's prize after beating Unionistas was a meeting with Athletic Club and former Barcelona manager Melanie Valverde, who was asked if Xavi's current difficulties in Catalonia reminded him of his own departure in 2020.

"I don't remember any of that, I'm in another phase," Valverde replied.

Barcelona will face a difficult journey to Real Betis on Sunday January 21 before the Copa del Rey quarter-finals against Athletic. Villarreal and Osasuna are also on schedule until the end of January.