Barcelona defender admits the team ‘suffered too much’ in Real Sociedad win | OneFootball

Barcelona may have climbed to the top of La Liga with a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, but not everyone was fully satisfied with the performance.

Jules Kounde, who scored one of the goals, was open in his criticism after the final whistle, admitting that the team made the game more difficult than it needed to be.

The French defender did not hide his frustration by saying, “We suffered too much.”

He explained that the final stages of the match lacked control and focus.

“I didn’t like our end to the game, we lacked intensity, we didn’t drop back enough, we didn’t close down the inside passes.

“We made the game difficult for ourselves and suffered too much. We were better in the first 70 minutes.”

Kounde happy with Lamine’s impact

Despite his criticism, Kounde was pleased with the impact of Lamine Yamal, who made the difference when he came on.

Just moments after being introduced, the youngster provided the assist for Robert Lewandowski’s decisive goal.

Wojciech Szczesny replaced injured Joan Garcia against Real Sociedad. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Kounde praised his teammate: “I’m very happy for him, very happy with Lamine’s return because we’re going to need him.”

Reflecting on his goal, the defender gave credit to the team’s improved set-piece options.

“We have more options on set pieces with players like Rooney and Rashford. We’re good on set pieces in defence and attack,” he said.

Szczesny takes the stage

Another big talking point was Wojciech Szczesny’s return to the starting lineup. The Polish goalkeeper helped Barça secure the win but remained humble afterwards, explaining why he didn’t celebrate too much.

“Don’t tell me I’m happy today because I’m sad for Joan Garcia and what happened to him. Happy wasn’t the right word…!

“I’m back playing for Barça and I could be happy, yes, but I’m not because Joan Garcia is injured,” he admitted.

Szczesny ended with a message of support for his fellow keeper: “I hope he returns to goal soon, which is where he should be for a long time, defending our colours.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo