Barcelona manager Xavi has reiterated that there are no rifts in the relationship with Jules Kounde amid links with Liverpool.
Yesterday, the Daily Mail reported that the Reds had tabled an offer to Xavi's side for the former Sevilla centre-back. Jurgen Klopp revealed that they will be eyeing movement in the transfer window across the pitch - apart from in goal after Alisson's standout campaign.
It has been claimed that the Frenchman was disappointed about how he was utilised by the Catalonian side after being instructed to play right-back as opposed to his preferred central defensive role. There have been multiple reports over the Catalan giants' financial struggles in recent years.
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With the uncertainty surrounding their predicament financially, it has been reported that they are looking to lower their wage bill. Kounde himself has allayed any disputes over his happiness at the Camp Nou, dismissing the reports of an exit.
Now, in an interview with Spanish outlet SPORT, the Barcelona boss has blamed the press for pushing the story and says he has spoken to the France international recently with no problems.
"It is that there has been no case. It has been more a matter of the press. In fact, I had a conversation with Koundé a week ago with no problems. It is true that he is more comfortable as a centre-back than as a winger," he said.
"They also made me play as a pivot and I was more comfortable later on, but many times I had to play as a pivot due to team circumstances and that was the conversation.
"I know you are central Jules, but due to circumstances of the script and the team has adapted very well."
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