Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the most recent El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, a thrilling match that saw the Catalan side fall five points behind the La Liga leaders after just 10 rounds. This loss has raised serious questions about the team’s ability to challenge for the title, especially given the technical and mental challenges they are facing.
The discussion, however, isn’t limited to the loss itself. It has extended to the individual performances of some players, with Barcelona legend Carles Puyol sharply criticizing French defender Jules Koundé. Given Koundé’s recent dip in form, Puyol has called for him to be dropped from the starting lineup until he regains his best.
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Puyol warned that Koundé’s poor defensive performances, characterized by leaving large spaces behind him, could expose the team to significant risks in upcoming matches. He also pointed out that the lack of defensive focus and failure to contribute to the attack are disrupting the team’s overall cohesion. Under these circumstances, Puyol believes that Koundé’s continued presence in the starting lineup could destabilize the defense, potentially leading to the collapse of the team’s season if the situation persists.
Puyol’s comments serve as a warning to Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, as the Clásico defeat demonstrated that the team cannot afford any dip in form from its key players, particularly in defense. With fierce competition from Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, it is crucial for Barcelona to act swiftly to address these defensive weaknesses if they are to maintain their chances of winning La Liga this season.
