The Catalan team is preparing for a decisive match in the round of 16 of the Champions League when it meets its Portuguese counterpart Benfica in Lisbon for the first leg tomorrow.
Barcelona leads the La Liga standings with 57 points after 26 rounds, three points ahead of its rival Real Madrid in third place and one point ahead of runners-up Atletico.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” it seems that Hansi Flick’s patience with Jules Kounde is running out. Despite the good performance of the French defender at right-back, his lack of focus at times has cost the team valuable points on several occasions. The most recent of these episodes was in the match against Atletico Madrid (4-4) in the Copa del Rey, where Kounde failed to stop the goal scored by the Rojiblancos at the decisive moments, which clearly angered the German coach.
These mistakes are not a product of the moment but have been repeated throughout the season. Kounde has made many defensive errors that resulted in goals for the opponents. However, the problem is not limited to his performances on the pitch, as his off-field attitude has also been less than ideal. According to sources close to the dressing room, the defender has been substituted on three occasions due to his late arrival to technical talks, something that coach Flick has noticed.
Given these problems, Flick has asked Deco, Barcelona’s director of football, to reinforce the right-back position with a new player. The coach’s priority is to find a reliable player with consistency in performance, capable of making a strong defensive contribution, and also contributing to the attack.
Three names have emerged as potential options to reinforce this position at Barcelona:
1. “Joshua Kimmich”: Flick knows the German player well from his time at Bayern Munich. Kimmich is known for his ability to play at right-back or in midfield, making him a very attractive option. With his contract expiring in 2025, a move to Barcelona could be easier financially.
2. “Reece James”: Despite his recent physical problems, James remains one of the best right-backs in the world. He has great physical strength, technical quality, and on-field leadership that appeals to Barcelona. However, his transfer could be complicated given the high price Chelsea will ask for.
3. “Andrei Rasiu”: A more affordable option that fits Flick’s plan. The Romanian full-back has stood out in La Liga for his defensive solidity and attacking ability. He could be a cheaper bet to bolster the squad.
Although Barcelona still trusts Jules Kounde, a loss of confidence from Flick could threaten his continuity at right-back. Kounde has previously stated that his natural position is at centre-back, and with the arrival of a new full-back, his role in the team could change. He may have to look elsewhere in the starting lineup or even consider leaving.