Xavi’s Call That Kept Koundé from Joining Chelsea
In the summer of 2022, FC Barcelona was active in the transfer market to refresh their squad. Following previous investments in players like Ferran Torres, Barcelona acquired key talents including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Jules Koundé. Three years later, these players remain vital to the team’s success.
Xavi’s Influence in Koundé’s Transfer to Barcelona
The acquisition of Koundé was particularly challenging. Sevilla, his former club, was strict about their release clause, attracting interest from several clubs, including Chelsea. A pivotal phone call from FC Barcelona’s manager, Xavi Hernández, played a significant role in swaying Koundé to join the Catalan side.
Koundé’s Reflection on His Decision
In a statement to El-Balad, Koundé shared, “I enjoyed our conversation. It felt natural and that’s a great sign.” He highlighted that Xavi believed Koundé’s playing style fit perfectly into his tactical approach. “We spoke mainly about football, which is my favorite topic, especially discussing it with a legend like Xavi,” Koundé added.
Amidst his negotiations, Koundé also fielded offers from Chelsea. He noted, “I spoke with Thomas Tuchel and sensed his eagerness for me to join. However, I preferred Xavi’s vision.” Tuchel, now in charge of the England national team, envisioned Koundé as a midfielder. In contrast, Koundé had previously played as a central defender at Sevilla, often pushing forward into attacking positions.
Positioning Challenges and Adaptation
Koundé opted for Barcelona, believing he would predominantly play as a central defender. He stated, “I chose Barça knowing I would mostly play in this position.” However, as the season progressed, he found himself deployed as a full-back more frequently than he would have liked. This adjustment came as Xavi sought to use Ronald Araujo effectively against opponents like Vinicius.
The duo even discussed Koundé’s discomfort with playing out wide, a position he also occupied while representing France. Ultimately, Koundé solidified his role as a right-back, becoming a key player during the last season. Notably, he scored a memorable goal against Real Madrid, leading Barcelona to victory in the Copa del Rey.
Conclusion
The phone call from Xavi Hernández not only influenced Koundé’s transfer but also set the stage for his successful adaptation to Barcelona’s tactical demands. As Koundé continues to evolve in his role, he remains a crucial part of the team, demonstrating the impact of managerial support in a player’s career.
