Barcelona Manager Flick Issues Demand to Invincible Player, Splitting Locker Room According to El Nacional's Reports
The locker room at FC Barcelona is currently divided, as per reports from sources close to the team, following a decision made by coach Hansi Flick. The controversial move has seen the seemingly "untouchable" star Jules Kounde benched for the La Liga meeting against Rayo Vallecano, despite expectations of his inclusion after a well-deserved break following a 4-1 win over Sevilla.
Kounde's absence from the starting lineup, revealed an hour before the kickoff, was unexpected, and Flick chose to keep mum on the matter, labeling it an internal issue. Sources close to the team shared that the Frenchman's tardiness was the primary reason for his exclusion, with well-established journalist Helena Condis of Cope confirming this later.
Flick finally addressed the matter following Barca's 1-0 victory, highlighting the importance of punctuality and respect for teammates. He reiterated that Kounde's repeated tardiness to team meetings, which included a previous offense in October, was not acceptable and had resulted in his benching.
While Barcelona rides on towards its next domestic assignment against Las Palmas, rumors persist about an ultimatum issued by Flick to Kounde, following his untimely arrival for the Alaves match in October. If Kounde fails to rectify his punctuality issues, the 2022 World Cup finalist may risk losing his starting spot indefinitely, with Hector Fort possibly taking over as the team's first choice.
The team's reaction to the situation has been mixed, with some players echoing the importance of discipline and respect, while others question the severity of the coach's reprimand against Kounde. Emotional support for Kounde surfaced from the team captains, encouraging the player to maintain his spirits and continue giving his best for the team.
Regardless of the team's stance, it's evident that Kounde's tardiness has left a lasting impact on his standing with the team and coach, potentially altering his chances in the season to come.
Kounde's potential absence in the upcoming La Liga match against Las Palmas was a topic of discussion, with some wondering if his tardiness issues could affect his position in the team. The report of Flick's alleged ultimatum was also mentioned in relation to the Montjuic-based team's preparations for the game.
Despite the controversy, FC Barcelona was looking forward to their match against Las Palmas, aiming to secure a high dividend in La Liga standings. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano and Alaves were also gearing up for their respective league games, with the possibility of capitalizing on Barcelona's internal issues.
In the midst of all the turmoil, Real Madrid was preparing for their Liga match, with Jules Kounde's situation providing an interesting subplot to watch out for. As for Hector Fort, the news of his potential elevation to the first choice position in Barcelona's defense was being closely monitored by both fans and analysts alike.
With the clearview of the situation becoming increasingly evident, the fans and media were eagerly waiting for Kounde's response to the coach's demands, hoping for a turnaround in the young defender's attendance in team meetings. Regardless of the outcome, Monday was set to be an exciting day in the world of Spanish football, with several intriguing matches lined up.
