Pedri, Kounde react after Girona 0-1 Barcelona: “Have to win no matter what”

Barcelona extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to 13 matches as they secured yet another 1-0 victory this time over local rivals Girona.

It was far from a vintage display from Xavi Hernandez’s men but they did just about enough to pick up an important and win and strengthen their grip over the top spot in La Liga.

Pedri, who replaced the injured Ousmane Dembele in the first half, scored the only goal of the game to mark his 100th appearance for Barça.

The 20-year-old midfielder spoke to the media after the match where he lamented over the fact that the Catalans are still finding it difficult to kill off matches.

“We have difficulties killing off matches, and this allows opponents to pressure us,” Pedri said.

Talking about his goalscoring performance after coming on as a substitute, the Spanish international added: “I know that I have to score goals. I am a player who likes to be in contact with the ball first, but everyone loves to score goals.”

Jules Kounde, who enjoyed another fine outing at right-back, also interacted with the media after the contest and said: “In these types of stadiums, you have to win no matter what.”

The Frenchman insisted that it was important that Barcelona put in another solid display in defence and secured one more clean sheet, saying:

“Another clean sheet today is key. This is the result of our hard work to improve the defensive system, not just us the defenders, but the whole team. Everyone works well.”

On the team’s overall performance, Kounde insisted that they could have been better, but what mattered the most was the victory.

“Yes, we could play better, but we have to recognize that Girona play very well. We won, which is the most important part,” the 2022 World Cup finalist said.

Source: BarçaTV+