Barcelona defender names Real Madrid star as the player who has ‘given him the most trouble’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid will play for prestige as they take on Barcelona in the highly anticipated El Clasico this weekend.

Barcelona can seal the league title with a win, but Real Madrid will be keen on avoiding that scenario and elongating their wait.

Heading into this game, Barcelona defender Jules Kounde talked about Barcelona’s mentality and facing Real Madrid, among other things.

What Kounde said ahead of El Clasico

Speaking to club media (h/t AS), Kounde wasted no time in setting the tone for what the dressing room is feeling ahead of Sunday.

“The team is fired up. We’re eager to win La Liga. A draw would be enough, but we want to beat Real Madrid,” he said.

Asked about the key to stopping Real Madrid’s attack, he made clear it is a collective responsibility rather than one that falls on the defence alone.

“The key to winning the Clasico will be applying good pressure from the whole team, not just the defence. We have to be very focused,” he added.

The question everyone wanted answered was which striker had caused him the most problems across his career. He did not shy away from naming Vinicius.

The Vinicius Jr. and Kounde duel will be worth keeping an eye on. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

“Vinicius is the forward who has given me the most trouble. I’ve also had a really tough time with Leao. But Lamine also pushes me to my limits in training.”

Vinicius Jr. himself is looking forward to facing Kounde this weekend, as he looks to spoil Barcelona’s party at Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, the Frenchman went on to talk about handling pressure, especially in crunch games like these.

“I don’t like living without pressure. I take responsibility naturally; it’s part of the life of an elite athlete. I handle pressure well; it’s part of our job. I like feeling the pressure,” he said.

When asked about whether or not Barcelona will score three goals against Real Madrid, he was measured but confident.

“I can’t promise we’ll score three goals in the Clasico. We’ve done it before, but now the important thing is to win the game.”

Looking back on his time at the club, Kounde particularly talked about his goal in the Copa Del Rey final.

“My goal in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid was one of the best moments since I’ve been at Barcelona. I also have particularly fond memories of my first match at the Camp Nou; it was very special for me,” he revealed.

Finally, Kounde stated that he is hopeful of enjoying the Clasico this weekend and continuing Barcelona’s dominance.

“I hope I can have a great Clasico this Sunday. I have very fond memories of the matches I’ve played against Real Madrid,” he concluded.