Jules Koundé’s performances have come under scrutiny this season as the France international has struggled to consistently reach his best level for Barcelona. The discussion intensified after Barcelona’s recent league game.
Saturday’s clash with Real Mallorca raised fresh doubts about Koundé after Jan Virgili troubled him at the Spotify Camp Nou. A report in Diario Sport offers insight into what Hansi Flick makes of the situation, pointing to a heavy match schedule and the psychological strain of being used as a right-back for Barcelona as key factors in the downturn.
Koundé’s role, the report notes, is not limited to defensive duties: he is also required to support Lamine Yamal in attack. That dual responsibility, combined with the sheer number of matches he has to play, is said to be affecting his confidence and consistency.
Flick, however, has been reluctant to rest Koundé because he views the defender as an essential part of his starting XI. The coach tried to give him time off in Copa del Rey games against Real Oviedo and Albacete but ended up bringing him on in both fixtures.
Despite occasional lapses, Flick believes Koundé is too important to keep on the bench and is confident the Frenchman will show his best form in the final months of the campaign.
