It looks like one of Barcelona’s defensive mainstays could be spending more time on the bench this season. According to Diario Sport, French defender Jules Koundé—who was almost ever-present last campaign—might see his minutes drop in the months ahead.
Omo, this one go cause serious wahala if e happen!
From Key Starter to Possible Rotation Player
Since the arrival of Hansi Flick as Barcelona manager, Koundé has been a consistent figure in the starting XI. Last season, he locked down the right-back position, impressing both defensively and in attack, racking up a whopping 53 appearances across all competitions.
But now, the situation could be changing.
The Turning Point – Injury and Competition
Reports claim that Koundé’s playing time may have taken a hit after he suffered an injury setback late in April. During his absence, Eric García stepped in—not just as a temporary fix, but as a genuine competitor for the role.
As Sport put it:
“Eric García has gone from being an emergency solution to real competition for Koundé. The Frenchman will need his best version to remain undisputed and the feeling is that he will not accumulate as many minutes as the season passes.”
Omo, imagine being a first-choice defender one minute and then fighting for your spot the next—football no easy at all.
What This Means for Barcelona’s Defence
If this report turns out to be true, Hansi Flick will have a healthy selection headache. Koundé’s versatility is an asset, but García’s rise in form could push the Frenchman into a rotation role, especially in less crucial matches.
For now, this is according to reports, and no official word has come from the club. But one thing is certain—Koundé will need to be at his absolute best to keep his place in the lineup.
