Jules Kounde doesn’t really feel fortunate to be going through Manchester United within the Europa League after Erik ten Hag fumed that the Barcelona defender ought to have been despatched off and banned for the return leg.
Last week’s assembly of those European heavyweights outdoors the flagship competitors lived as much as the billing, with a chaotic conflict in Catalunya ending in a 2-2 draw on the Nou Camp.
It was a powerful efficiency however Ten Hag was irritated about his facet’s incapability to show dominance right into a win and the officers’ inaction for a poor problem on star man Marcus Rashford.
Shortly after scoring an personal objective to place the Red Devils 2-1 up, Kounde escaped a crimson card for a problem on Rashford – one thing the Dutchman stated was “definitely” a second off.
The United boss was booked for displaying his anger at a choice that he believes has “a big influence not only on this game but on this round”.
When these feedback have been put to Kounde on the eve of Thursday’s second leg at Old Trafford, the France worldwide stated: “I believe it was 50-50. There is contact however I believe it’s very mild.
“I believe it’s very mild and the referee determined to not give me a crimson card, so I don’t really feel fortunate (to be right here and never be suspended). I really feel it’s a part of the choice of the referee.
“It’s true that I think I could have been sent off because it was 50-50 but the referee made the decision and obviously I’m very happy.”
Barca are unbeaten of their final 5 conferences towards United, whose final 5 European campaigns led to defeat to Spanish golf equipment.
Kounde was a part of the Sevilla facet that beat them within the Europa League semi-finals in Cologne in 2020 and believes the Red Devils have developed markedly since then.
“It’s a very different team,” he stated. “I think they improved a lot.
“They have a very organised team, are very strong in the duels and obviously they have heavy power in the front line.
“So, yeah, it’s a very different team from the team I played in Sevilla. They are doing a great job also in the league.
“It’s a very competitive team and it’s going to be tough. It’s going to be a great battle.”
Barca will likely be with out Pedri, Gavi and Ousmane Dembele towards United, however fit-again Sergio Busquets is out there on Thursday.
The latter was a part of the workforce that beat United within the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals alongside present head coach Xavi, who would like to be taking part in at Old Trafford.
“I always say that the pressure right now is for me,” the Spain nice stated. “It’s for me. You should enjoy it. I should have the pressure.
“Tomorrow you should enjoy the stage. I would give anything to play in this type of game tomorrow with this atmosphere at Old Trafford.
“A knockout game in Europe should motivate any player. Yep, they need to control their emotions, that’s important – that’s a basic thing for us.”