Several Barcelona players have expressed dissatisfaction with the poor performance of the team’s star, particularly Pedri and De Jong, and have called on Hansi Flick to bench him in future games!

Barcelona Players Question Koundé’s Role After Costly Errors in Copa del Rey Clash

The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw, but it also sparked heated debates, particularly concerning Barcelona’s starting lineup.

While some players delivered standout performances, French defender Jules Koundé faced heavy criticism for his poor display, which has now put his role in the team under scrutiny.

According to reports from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Koundé, who was deployed as a right-back, has come under fire from several Barcelona players for his underwhelming performance. His defensive lapses and inability to contribute effectively in attack left many frustrated.

Among those most vocal about their dissatisfaction were midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, who reportedly urged coach Hansi Flick to reconsider his selection. They have suggested that Ronald Araújo be given the right-back role in crucial matches instead of Koundé.

Koundé’s struggles were evident against Atlético Madrid, as he committed several defensive errors and failed to provide stability at the back.

His performance raised serious concerns about whether he is the right fit for the right-back position, leading to calls for a tactical adjustment.

With Barcelona still fighting on multiple fronts this season, the team cannot afford costly mistakes in decisive moments.

Despite the backlash from within the squad, Flick appears unwilling to make immediate changes. The German manager has been firm in his tactical approach since taking over at Barcelona and seems determined to stick with his selections.

Even with mounting pressure from key players, he has not shown signs of dropping Koundé from the starting lineup for upcoming matches.

With the second leg of the semi-final approaching, tensions are high as Barcelona looks to secure a place in the final. Whether Flick will heed the concerns of his players or continue backing Koundé remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—if the defender does not improve his performances, the calls for change will only grow louder.