Hansi Flick’s patience appears to have worn thin following Barcelona’s shaky start to the season. The German coach has pinpointed a key weakness in the team: a lack of defensive solidity at right-back.
Surprisingly, the player under scrutiny is French defender Jules Koundé, who was once a cornerstone of the Blaugrana defense but has recently seen his performances dip.
Koundé, a standout performer for Barcelona last season, has struggled with form in recent weeks, making costly errors that have resulted in dropped points in crucial league matches.
This decline has prompted Flick to request that sporting director Deco secure a dependable right-back during the winter transfer window. The aim is clear — to boost defensive stability and create healthy competition within the squad.
Despite being a versatile player capable of playing both center-back and right-back, Koundé has lacked consistent competition in the latter role, which may have affected his overall performances. Flick believes that bringing in a specialist right-back would not only improve team dynamics but also push Koundé to rediscover his best form.
There is even consideration of shifting Koundé back to his preferred center-back role, where many experts believe his full potential lies.
The prospect of signing a new right-back has stirred discussions within the Barcelona dressing room. While Koundé has remained professional and committed, the mounting pressure on him is unmistakable.
Flick, known for his tactical discipline, is determined to avoid compromising defensive solidity, especially in a season filled with competitive challenges.
With Barcelona competing on multiple fronts, club president Joan Laporta and Deco recognize the urgency of supporting Flick’s request.
The upcoming January transfer window offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen the squad. Adding a quality right-back could be a decisive factor in Barcelona’s pursuit of success this season.
Meanwhile, Koundé’s future as a guaranteed starter is now uncertain. As the team braces for potential changes, the spotlight remains firmly on how Barcelona will navigate this crucial phase of the campaign and whether new defensive reinforcements will help stabilize the backline.
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