Barcelona defender Kounde discussed his reduced playing time at the club this season during a press conference with the French national team. He made clear that he is not dealing with injury issues and that the reduction in minutes is entirely a technical decision by head coach Flick, as well as a result of his underwhelming performances last season.

Kounde attended a press conference on Sunday ahead of France's Nations League match against Belgium. When asked about his limited opportunities at Barcelona early in the season, he said: "I have no injury issues; it's the coach's decision. It's also a result of my performances last season, because I played below my own standard."

Kounde offered no excuses for his current situation, instead expressing his willingness to embrace the challenge and work to reclaim his starting position.

He said: "This is a challenge I'm ready to accept. I need to return to my best form because I know that when I reach my optimal level, I will get playing time."

With Flick implementing more rotation in defense, Kounde no longer holds the virtually unshakeable starting spot he had enjoyed in most previous seasons.

Unlike his situation at Barcelona, Kounde continues to play an important role for the French national team. He has become team vice-captain and has increased his influence in the dressing room since Zidane took over.

Speaking about the new national team coach, Zidane, Kounde offered positive remarks: "He is a coach who has very close relationships with the players, constantly communicating with us both on and off the pitch."

Kounde also stated that France's coaching staff is very willing to offer advice to players and help them continuously improve. Although he was reluctant to compare Zidane with previous coaches, he did reveal some of the new coach's tactical philosophy.

"He wants us to be an active and aggressive team," Kounde said.

Additionally, Zidane wants the French team to control the tempo of matches better through possession control. Kounde believes these tactical demands are also helping him improve certain weaknesses in his game.

He said: "I still have room for improvement in minimizing unnecessary mistakes when I have the ball. I can also be more direct in my play and improve my ability to push forward."

Kounde revealed that Zidane also asks him to actively contribute to attacks at appropriate moments, though he emphasized this is not the first time he has received similar tactical instruction.

On competition within the French squad, Kounde stated that despite the presence of new rivals, he does not feel a particular threat to his position.

He said: "There is always competition in the French national team because we have many high-level players. I'm not sure if the current competition is fiercer than before, but competition itself is a motivator. For me, the most important competition is actually with myself."

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