World Cup: Jules Kunde ‘knows what needs to be improved’

Jules Kundet applies for a starting spot on Wednesday against Tunisia and of course at the end of the week in the round of 16. The former Bordeaux Girondins and Sevilla defender is looking to capitalize on his solid performance against Denmark (2-1) on Saturday night to keep Didier Deschamps’ confidence.

His competition with Benjamin Pavard, his relationship with his Catalan teammate Ousmane Dembele or his friend Aurélien Chuameni… Jules Kunde (22 years old and 14 tackles) made his news circles on Monday at Jassim bin Hamad’s training center in Doha, Qatar. .

How do you feel as a right back?

JUL KUNDE. I feel myself good. As the coach said, we talked about it before the competition, I knew what my role would be. I agreed and am quite happy. I am satisfied with the qualification and my match, although I personally have some work to do, I know about it.

You are competing with Benjamin Pavard. How do you deal with it? Do you talk about this position together? And what are your areas for improvement?

Quite healthy competition. We have to discuss and we try to get our turn as close as possible when we have to play. After the coach makes his choice. This is not our favorite work, but we do it with the utmost desire and with the idea of ​​contributing to the team. Progression axes essentially contribute to the offensive to have a bit more technical accuracy. I lost some easy balls. I also have to communicate with my partners to get as many tests as possible. Playing with Dembele at Barcelona also helps me. We played a few games together in the hallway. I also meet with him in training, I know his strengths, his weaknesses. We don’t necessarily ask him the same question here as we did at Barça. But he was valuable defensively on Saturday.

We talk a lot about osmosis that arises from this group. How do you feel about this atmosphere?

She is very important. Everything is going well. There is a very young part and others with a bit more experience. The mixture goes very well. Everyone has the opportunity to express themselves, he laughs a lot, and when necessary, he is serious. He acts and plays in such a way that we can be effective behind. It helps to have a group that gets along both outside and on the pitch. Although I am relatively young, I have little experience with France, so I have no doubts if I have something to convey.

Griezmann is great in midfield. Are you surprised by your performance? Do I need to make any settings?

Surprised, no, he is a player with those technical qualities that allow him to get around in all positions. Surprised, perhaps because he is not used to developing in this position, but he does it very well. After that, he has the property of always making an effort, even when he is higher on the ground. He doesn’t have all the guidelines for this position, so it needs some adjustments, but he’s smart enough and the coach talked to him well.

How did Didier Deschamps tell you about this position?

We had a discussion before and during (World Cup, ed.). After the tournament it is important to know what role we will play. This is what allowed me to focus well and be more relaxed.

Did you have any reluctance to play in this position?

No. Playing for France is always a chance and I measure it. Although my performance in this position has not always been good, I have always tried to do so with envy. I am progressing little by little, especially in the offensive part.

Can you be seen on the left?

Let’s see. Maybe I used to play there. Why not ? In any case, I’ll do my best if that’s the case.

“Of course there were ups and downs”

A red card against Bosnia, a missed penalty against Hungary at the Euro… Missed the reference match?

I dont know. Of course, there were ups and downs. I also had good matches in the Nations League against Belgium or Spain. As a protector, I found myself doing my job pretty well. After all, everyone has a different perception. I have mine. I hope to grow bigger and bigger and be as efficient as possible.

How do you feel about this match against Tunisia?

Admittedly, we have already qualified, but I know that we want to keep a good momentum and win this match. Even if the coach will undoubtedly make changes. Everyone is very worried. For some, it’s an opportunity to play, it gives a lot of desire, given the rather young group. When there is less experience, it is even more noticeable. This match will not be easy. We had a good look at Tunisia. He is an opponent who puts a lot of desires, which created problems for the Danes (0-0). We will take them seriously.

You have received a yellow card against Denmark. Is it dangerous to see you in this third match?

This needs a little more attention. But that’s not why I’ll slow down if I have to play.

How do you feel about comments, in your opinion? Are you sensitive to criticism?

Criticism is part of our job. Gotta accept it. Of course, it’s better when it’s constructive. I don’t see it bad. Sometimes my loved ones can suffer more than we ourselves. But so far everything is going well.

Didier Deschamps “doesn’t ask us to rush from the start”

You are running this World Cup with one of your best friends Aurelien Chuameny. What makes this competition special?

We developed a lot together in Bordeaux. We didn’t necessarily talk about the French team when we were young. but as stages changed, clubs changed, it started to cross our minds. It’s really nice. It makes these moments even more special. We have always had similarities in our vision of football, in our mentality, in that we are in the same agency. It is the desire for success that binds us together.

What is the tactical plan of the French team?

It depends on the enemy we meet. Denmark, we know that this is a team that raises very well and positions itself very skillfully with a lot of players inside. This makes pressing a little more difficult. So we tend to hold well in the block, not necessarily very high, but the coach asks us to defend on the offensive and be aggressive when they enter the zone. He does not ask us to hurry from the very beginning.