Barcelona secured a resounding victory over visiting Olympiacos in the Champions League, crushing them 6-1 in a thrilling match at Montjuïc Stadium. Despite this significant victory, it was not without feelings of anxiety and tension sweeping through the Catalan dressing room, especially after the poor performances of some players, most notably Frenchman Jules Koundé.
Barcelona continues to demonstrate its offensive strength, led by several standout players. However, despite these resounding victories, there are some worrying issues related to the defensive performance, particularly on the right flank, where Koundé plays. With the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu next Sunday, concerns are growing within the team that Barcelona may suffer from the defensive errors that have been noticeable in recent weeks.
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Growing Concern Over Koundé’s Performance:
The conversation within the Barcelona dressing room in recent days has focused on the performance of Jules Koundé, who, despite his strong start with the team, has begun to suffer a noticeable decline in his performance this season. His display against Olympiacos wasn’t exceptional. On the contrary, several defensive errors in coverage and positioning were evident, raising doubts about his ability to shine in major matches like El Clásico.
Once considered one of the mainstays of the defense, Koundé has become a clear weakness in the team’s defensive line, leaving many of his teammates concerned about the impact of his performances in upcoming matches, especially against a rival like Real Madrid, which boasts a formidable attacking force with stars like Vinícius Júnior.
Fear of a Repeat Performance Against Real Madrid:
One of the most prominent players to express concern about Koundé’s defensive performance is Pedri, who also suffers from ongoing tension due to the movements of his teammates in the backline. Pedri, considered one of Barcelona’s standout midfielders, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the team’s overall defensive performance on several occasions. In a private conversation in the dressing room, Pedri warned that continued poor defensive performances could put the team at great risk against Real Madrid, especially given the royal team’s strong ability to exploit any defensive gaps.
