Sevilla coach Lopetegui says Chelsea failed in the pursuit of Kounde because they couldn’t meet the French defender’s valuation.
Jules Kounde remains positive
The European champions were keen to add Jules Kounde to their squad before the deadline, but saw a late application with a rebuff from the Spanish side and did not return with another offer. Jules Kounde missed the La Liga draw in Elche last weekend and prompted speculation that the move was inevitable, but ended up staying in Seville.
Julen Lopetegui admits that he was powerless to prevent Jules Kounde from leaving if Chelsea had put in the right amount. His words echo those of sports director Monchi, who said at a press conference last week that Jules Kounde will only move to Stamford Bridge if Chelsea pays € 80 million. Despite the sale of Zouma to West Ham to seemingly make way for Jules Kounde on their squad, Chelsea did not return with a fresh bid.
With the window closed now, Julen Lopetegui says Jules Kounde’s continued presence in the lineup is a huge push for the rest of the season. Lopetegui said Jules Kounde ended up staying because the club decided it was the right thing to do based on an assessment of the proposals they might have. For Julen, as a coach, Jules Kounde remains positive. With the evolution that he has experienced over these two years, this is positive, no doubt about it. They believe that he will continue to grow with them and, above all, perform, which is most important.
What else did Lopetegui say?
One of the other names that dominated the closing days of the transfer window was Mbappe. Real Madrid ultimately failed in their attempt to land striker Paris Saint-Germain, but that was the name seemingly on everyone’s lips as the clock ticked the deadline. When asked if he missed so that he would not be asked about Kylian, Julen joked that Sevilla made an offer herself at the last minute – but also unsuccessfully. According to Lopetegui, he knew that somehow or others you would ask him. they tried to bring him in at the last minute, but they couldn’t.