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    LaLiga News: Rakitic tells Kounde not to be “down, sad or angry” over Chelsea’s failed move

    Ivan Rakitic is planning talks with Sevilla teammate Jules Kounde in a bid to lift morale after a transfer to Chelsea did not materialize.

    Kounde has established himself as one of La Liga’s best defenders over the past two seasons, sparking the interest of numerous elite clubs.

    News of interest from Chelsea persisted during the recent transfer window and Sevilla sporting director Monchi confirmed that the European champions had gotten closer.

    A move that Kounde would have liked, Monchi confirmed, but the two clubs were unable to agree on a quota, as Sevilla resisted over the player’s € 80m release clause.

    Kounde appeared fit for one of the Premier League’s top teams, ranking third among La Liga defenders for aerial duels won (205) and sixth for successful passes (3,536) since the start of the 2019-20 season – an effective blend of physicality and finesse.

    Yet veteran Rakitic hopes the 22-year-old can move forward quickly.

    “We hope that, on his return from his national team, we can have a moment to speak, sincerely, so that he knows that he has faith in us, that we are his second family,” Rakitic said in an extensive interview with ELDemarque. .

    “It is very important to us. The first thing we need is that he feels comfortable, that he is at his best and that he knows that everything we do, we do together. “

    Already a complete defender – also counted in the top 25 of LaLiga for duels won (339, 11th), recoveries (303, 22nd) and evictions (191, 23rd) since his arrival – Rakitic wants Kounde to come back to kick and show its qualities.

    “He’s a boy, 22, very young,” added Rakitic. “It has been here for spectacular years, which is why it attracts the interest of the big clubs with those figures.

    “He earned it with his game. The most important thing is that he understands that this has already happened.

    “Besides being young, he has a lot of experience. He no longer has to teach anyone anything. He is already a well-rounded player.

    “He still has to improve, of course, but he must continue to enjoy football. It doesn’t help him now to be down, sad or angry. It has to raise morale “.

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