RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sources
Hansi Flick changes Barcelona pecking order as senior defender loses starting role
Jules Kounde is facing a major change in his role at Barcelona, as Hansi Flick’s plans for the new season leave the French defender without a guaranteed place in the starting XI.
According to SPORT , Kounde has fallen down the pecking order both at right-back and in central defence.
As reported before, Flick has already spoken to the 27-year-old during pre-season to explain where he stands, and the message from the Barcelona coach was clear.
The defender was informed that Eric Garcia is now Flick’s preferred option at right-back, while he is expected to spend more time playing in the centre of defence.
Even there, however, a starting spot is far from guaranteed; a situation that has opened the door to a possible Barcelona exit if the right offer arrives.
Eric Garcia and others move ahead of Kounde
Kounde will be a rotational player this season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Kounde has been one of Barcelona’s most reliable defenders in recent seasons, particularly when operating at right-back. However, Flick has decided to make changes to the defensive structure.
Eric Garcia is now the coach’s first choice for the right-back role, while Xavi Espart is also ahead in Flick’s plans for the position, and Joao Cancelo provides another option on the flank.
That leaves Kounde with a very different role from the one he has held previously.
Furthermore, Flick has also explained that when Kounde will feature, he is expected to play more regularly as a centre-back rather than on the right side of defence.
Interestingly, even moving into the middle does not guarantee him more minutes.
Barcelona are open to offers for Kounde. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
This is because the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin are ahead of Kounde in the battle for the two starting centre-back positions, while Andreas Christensen is also part of the competition.
Barcelona open to a Kounde sale for the right offer
As such, Kounde’s role is now closer to that of a rotation player who can cover multiple positions across the backline.
Simply put, his place in Flick’s strongest XI is no longer secure, and Barcelona are also prepared to listen if a strong offer arrives for Kounde.
That does not mean the club is forcing him out, but the French defender is no longer considered untouchable.
A suitable proposal could lead Barcelona to seriously consider a sale before the end of the transfer window, meaning that his continuity beyond September cannot be guaranteed.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.