Ahead of France's UEFA Nations League match against Belgium at home, Kounde attended the pre-match press conference, where he discussed his reduced playing time at Barcelona, competition within the French squad, and his experience working with Zidane. This article covers the first part of the press conference.

As a right-back, you often play on the same flank as Olise, and this has become even more apparent since Zidane became coach. What impresses you most about Michael when you're playing so close to him on the field?

What impresses me most is his technical ability and the composure he shows on the ball. Beyond that, he's also very willing to work for the team. I think he's very well-rounded in all aspects of the game. His finishing is excellent, his passing is excellent, and he handles the ball very intelligently. Those are probably the aspects that stand out most to me.

A quick question: how are you all getting on with the new coach, Zidane, day to day? Also, we noticed fewer players during the traditional walk when you arrived at Clairefontaine on Monday. How did you feel about that?

To the first question, we're getting along very well. He's a coach who is very close to the players and likes to communicate with everyone, both on and off the pitch. His coaching staff is also very approachable, always willing to offer advice and help us improve. So from that perspective, everything is going well.

As for the second question, honestly, it didn't affect me much. I dress for myself, first and foremost. Of course, it's become an anticipated moment, and it still is. I think many people look forward to that segment, but for me personally, there's not much difference. There were still photographers there.

What are your thoughts on this unusually long international break in terms of scheduling? Having experienced it firsthand, do you think it's a good thing, or do you prefer the old arrangement?

It's still difficult to assess because this is the first time, and it's not over yet. We've had 14 days, which hasn't happened before. Playing so many games in such a short period is quite demanding. We're fortunate that the team has plenty of depth, so the coach can distribute playing time and also assess everyone's performance.

Honestly, I'm still not entirely sure. It's too early to draw firm conclusions. But we're here, and it's always a pleasure to be with the team. We have one last match, and we want to finish strong.

If all goes as expected, you will face Mika Houtz tomorrow night. Is he a player you're familiar with? Also, I'd like your thoughts on the arrival of the young Belgian player Bissouma, who joined Barcelona this summer.

To the first question, yes, of course, I know him. He plays for Paris Saint-Germain and also for the Belgian national team, so we naturally know him. He's a very good player. As for Jessie, he's also a very good young player. He's a winger who can dribble past defenders, has pace, and has already integrated well into the team. I think he's a player with a lot of potential. With continued hard work and time, he's capable of having an excellent career.

There are some new players in this squad, bringing fresh energy to the team. Regarding the competition and the coach's belief that he will rely on everyone, how has he communicated this? Do players like yourself, with relatively established positions, feel more pressure now?

No, I don't feel more pressure about my position. There has always been competition in the French team; we have a very talented pool of players. For the new players, the coach asks them to be themselves. They are here for a reason—because they're performing well at their clubs. The coach simply asks them to bring what they do at their clubs here and play comfortably.

I think they've all integrated very well into the team. Many of them knew each other already, either from youth teams or from their clubs. So the integration has been smooth. I think they're all comfortable. For them, the goal is to show what they've demonstrated at their clubs.

Before joining the French national team, your playing time at Barcelona was reduced. Was this due to an injury, or was it the Barcelona coach's decision?

It wasn't an injury; it was the coach's decision. I'm in good physical condition with no injuries. The reduced playing time is also related to last season. My performance last season was well below my normal level, so this is a direct consequence of that. It's a challenge I'm willing to accept. I need to keep working hard, which is what I always do. I need to find my best form again, because I know that when I'm at my best, I can hold this position and get playing time.

Two quick questions. First, regarding your game: what do you consider your strengths, and where can you improve? Second, the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona match is coming up. Have you discussed it with Dembélé and Doué?

Regarding my strengths, I'd say it's my intensity and aggression on the pitch, especially defensively. I'm also a player who enjoys defending. As for areas needing improvement, I think it's more on the attacking side. Technically, there are also some things I can work on. It's fair to say this is an area I've spent a lot of time developing.

For the second question, no, we haven't really discussed it yet. There's still time before that match. First, we're all focused on this training camp. Then, before that, everyone still has other matches to play. But we'll have a chance to discuss it.

You know Maignan well. To what extent do you think this training camp, especially with the arrival of the new coaching staff, has changed him?

I don't think it changed him. Maignan is a very detail-oriented person. He trains very hard, watches a lot of match footage, and is a perfectionist. I'm very pleased to see him performing like this. He played three very good matches, and we all know his quality and what he's capable of. So I'm glad to see him performing this way.

In recent years, your position on the right flank for France has been relatively secure. Now there's significant competition for your spot. How do you feel about this competition? Does it push you to develop other aspects of your game?

As I said before, there has always been competition. I'm not sure there's more of it now than before, but it's definitely a motivation. When you come to the French team, you know you can't rest on past achievements, and you know nothing is guaranteed. It's the same at club level.

So it's motivating. Although, to be honest, I'm primarily competing against myself; I'm always striving to be the best version of myself. That's a good thing. And for the team, competition is always beneficial. Sorry, did you ask if the competition prompts me to develop other aspects of my game?

The question was whether this competition pushes you to develop other aspects of your game.

Not entirely. It's not the competition that drives me to develop other aspects of my game, but rather my personal desire to become a better player.

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