Kounde reveals how Barcelona will deal with Mbappe next season

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde discussed the prospect of squaring up against his compatriot Kylian Mbappe in next season's El Clasico when he hinted at how the Blaugrana will set up to defend against him. 

Real Madrid beat Barcelona to the LALIGA title last season, deposing Xavi Hernandez's side, who were the defending champions. They have now strengthened with Mbappe, who is the consensus best player in the world, but Kounde is unfazed. 

Speaking in an interview, Kounde spoke about Mbappe's imminent arrival when he referenced the clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last season when the Barcelona defence managed to keep Mbappe quiet for swathes of the game. 

“That's why I play football—for the big games—to face the best. And in that sense, Kylian is the 'Crème de la Crème',” Mbappe said, per Sport.

“So he is very satisfying. But a player like Kylian Mbappé cannot be stopped alone, he also requires a collective effort, although since he was in my zone, I participated a lot in the team's success. 

“Performing against players like that encourages you to keep going, to keep looking for more, and convinces you that if you work hard, sooner or later you will get it.”

Meanwhile, Kounde explained his importance for Barcelona, as he brushed aside rumours of an exit this summer.