FC Barcelona continue their campaign in La Liga under the leadership of Hansi Flick, but tensions within the squad are becoming evident. One of the most notable issues revolves around Jules Kounde, who was once a key figure in the team’s defence but has recently fallen out of favour with the German coach.
The situation became more apparent in the match against Rayo Vallecano, where Kounde was benched at Montjuïc. His exclusion, however, was not due to poor performance but rather an internal disciplinary matter. Reports indicate that Kounde arrived late for the pre-match meeting, which was not the first instance of such behavior.
Flick, known for his strict discipline, immediately responded by dropping him from the starting eleven. This marks the third time Kounde has been penalized for tardiness, reinforcing Flick’s stance that such actions will not be tolerated.
After the match, Flick issued a clear warning to Kounde, stating that another similar incident would result in him losing his place in the lineup permanently.
The German coach is determined to maintain discipline within the squad and does not want any single player’s actions to disrupt team harmony. For Flick, success depends on every player adhering to the rules, and he is unwilling to make exceptions.
For Kounde, this situation poses a significant challenge. Although he was a regular starter in defence, the emergence of Hector Fort has increased competition for places.
With Fort performing well, Kounde’s position is no longer guaranteed, and his recent disciplinary issues have only added to the uncertainty. If he continues to lose Flick’s trust, he risks being sidelined for an extended period, which could impact his long-term future at the club.
Flick’s firm decision has triggered mixed reactions within the dressing room. Some players support his approach, arguing that rules should apply equally to everyone, while others feel the punishment was excessive and not handled properly.
Kounde himself is reportedly frustrated by the situation but is aware that to secure his place in the squad, he must improve his behavior and adhere to the team’s regulations.
Ultimately, Kounde’s future at Barcelona depends on his response to this setback. If he adjusts his conduct and follows the rules, he could reclaim his starting role. However, continued indiscipline or further issues may force Flick to take more drastic measures, potentially relegating him to a backup role or even prompting the club to consider other options.
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