Kounde: "I'm really disappointed, the goal was to win the Europa League"

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde said Thursday's Europa League elimination to Manchester United was "painful" as the Catalan's involvement in European competitions ended for another season.

"Really painful," Kounde told Movistar. "We wanted to get through. We played well in the first half. We conceded early in the second half and after that we lost control of the game. Really disappointed."  

Barça led 1-0 at half time, 3-2 on aggregate, but conceded twice after the break.

"I think we have to give credit to the opposition, they stepped up a gear in the second half," Kounde added. "They made it difficult. But we fought. It's true there is a lot of disappointment, though, because the objective was to win the Europa League."  

Xavi's side have now conceded 16 goals conceded in Europe this season compared to just seven in LaLiga. 

"In the Champions League we had a lot of injuries," Kounde said looking for an explanation. "The rivals are stronger in Europe, we have played big teams: Bayern, Inter, Man Utd. They are powerful sides. We will learn from this. We need to take a step forward and next season I am sure we will.

"Disappointment is the word I would use. We had a lot of hope deposited in this competition. I don't think it's a failure given how we competed against one of the most in-form sides in Europe.

"We still believe, we have improved and now we want to keep growing and improving."