Gavi’s public crticism of Barcelona defender sparks internal anger | OneFootball

Barcelona are reportedly dealing with internal unrest after Gavi’s comments about Jules Kounde following the team’s 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo.

According to SPORT, Gavi’s remarks have not been well-received by the club and have caused some tension within the squad.

Kounde found himself under the spotlight last night after a costly mistake led to Celta’s opening goal. While the French defender acknowledged his error, Gavi publicly criticised his teammate, which has reportedly displeased Barcelona’s management, including head coach Hansi Flick.

The coaching staff and the club have expressed their full support for Kounde, highlighting his professionalism and value to the squad.

What did Gavi say?

The incident stems from Gavi labelling Kounde’s mistake as “silly” and suggesting the defender should have simply cleared the ball. These remarks, once relayed to the rest of the squad and Flick, have reportedly sparked discontent.

Jules Kounde made a costly error against Celta Vigo. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“The first goal we concede is a joke. He has to clear the ball. We have to learn, this is football,” he said.

Flick has emphasised that blame should not be placed on individual players, maintaining that Barcelona is a collective unit where both victories and losses are shared responsibilities.

Kounde, despite the error, retains the confidence of the manager, who considers him a key figure in the squad.

Deja Vu for Barcelona

Interestingly, this is not the first time Barcelona’s dressing room dynamics have been tested by public comments. Last season, Ilkay Gundogan was at the centre of two controversial incidents.

Following a defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico, Gundogan criticised the team’s lack of effort, and later, he singled out Ronald Araujo for Barcelona’s Champions League exit against PSG.

These incidents reportedly created divisions within the squad, contributing to a fragmented atmosphere that lingered until Gundogan’s departure at the end of the season.