Barcelona defender Jules Kounde admits he'd prefer to play at centre-half.

For the moment, Kounde is being employed at right-back by coach Xavi.

At today's Champions League presser, Kounde said: "We are very excited. It is a beautiful competition. Everyone wants to play it and win. We are in a good dynamic. We have to start this competition well. We are all highly motivated.

"I still have concepts to learn and improve. I don't mind playing right back, but everyone knows that I'm a central and I prefer to play in this position."

Asked about Gerard Pique, he also said: "He is a very competitive person. Surely he will play throughout the season. He is a very close person and he gives us a lot of advice. He is a very important person in the group."

On choosing Barca over Chelsea as he was leaving Sevilla this summer, Kounde added: "Barça is one of the biggest clubs. Generates illusion. Talking to Xavi was important, he gave me a lot of confidence and I liked his way of seeing football. It was an easy decision."