Kounde also insisted he was not lucky to escape a red card when he came up against Rashford, saying he is relishing facing the English striker again
By Kehinde Okeowo
Barcelona defender, Jules Kounde, has told his teammates that the only way to progress to the rounds of 16 stages of the Europa League ahead of Man United is to play better than they did a week ago.
The 24-year-old believes the Catalans must “up the intensity” as they visit Old Trafford on Thursday night for the return leg of the competition if they intend to book a place in the next round.
Xavi’ men had to come from behind to force a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou despite taking the lead through Marcus Alonzo, but the defender insisted a better performance will be required to progress.
Kounde at the press conference before the second leg said: “We played a good game at home, but we have to up the intensity.
“We have to press well. It’s key to recover high balls, which will give us things. It’s a big rival, in a big stadium and we’re really looking forward to it. We have everything we need to win and go through to the next round.”
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The French international, who was lucky to have escaped a red card when he came up against Marcus Rashford in the first leg of the encounter, also said he is relishing facing the Three Lions striker once again.
“He’s a very versatile player, very quick, good in space, great in the area to finish off actions. It’s always a challenge to play against someone like him, but also exciting. It’s why we play,” he said
“I think it was 50-50. Maybe there is contact but I think it’s very light and the referee decided not to [send me off]. I don’t feel lucky, it was a decision made by the referee.”
Rashford, who is in the form of his life, scored a brace at the weekend against Leicester City to take his tally for the season to 24 in all competitions for Manchester United.