Koundé Calls for Player Accountability as Barcelona Secures Crucial Comeback Win in Copa del Rey

Jules Koundé delivered a crucial message after scoring the second goal in Barcelona’s impressive 3-1 comeback against Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey. The victory, which featured goals from Ferran Torres and Alejandro Balde, provided a much-needed boost for Barcelona and alleviated some pressure on coach Xavi Hernández.

Koundé, who rifled in a powerful shot from distance, spoke candidly about the team’s accountability for their recent struggles. In an interview with Movistar after the match, he emphasized that, despite discussions about the coach, the players are the ones on the pitch and share responsibility for both successes and failures. Acknowledging the importance of the game against Unionistas, Koundé stressed the need for a strong reaction and intensity, elements he believed the team lacked at times during the season.

The French international expressed the significance of winning the Copa del Rey, highlighting it as one of the team’s objectives. After the disappointment of the defeat against Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final, Koundé noted that Barcelona needed to show a reaction in the Copa del Rey, and the players delivered a serious performance.

Reflecting on the challenging match against Unionistas, Koundé praised the opponents, who had previously knocked out Villarreal in the last round, emphasizing the difficulty Barcelona faced. The third-division side took the lead with a brilliant finish from Alvaro Gómez, setting the stage for a comeback. Ferran Torres leveled the score just before halftime, and Koundé’s goal, along with Balde’s, secured the comeback victory.

While Barcelona remains eight points behind LaLiga leaders Girona, there are significant challenges ahead, including a crucial Champions League clash against Napoli. Koundé’s commitment to achieving success in both competitions is evident, and the players are keen on overcoming the recent setbacks.

Coach Xavi expressed his delight for Balde, emphasizing the 20-year-old’s resilience in the face of criticism. Xavi believes the win will boost the team’s confidence as they prepare to resume LaLiga action with a challenging fixture against Real Betis on Sunday. The performance against Unionistas showcased Barcelona’s determination to overcome challenges and pursue their objectives in the remainder of the season.