Hansi Flick has complete faith in Barcelona defender despite Celta Vigo struggles | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick continues to consider Jules Kounde a crucial player for the team despite his underwhelming display against Celta Vigo, according to a report from SPORT.

Kounde’s error in the match played a pivotal role in conceding Celta’s first goal, leading to a disappointing draw. While the defender acknowledged his mistake, public criticism from a teammate following the incident reportedly did not sit well with Flick.

Kounde’s defensive misstep is not an isolated incident, as previous errors have also cost the team goals and points. However, Flick has refrained from singling him out for blame.

Instead, the German coach has chosen to reinforce the idea that football is a collective effort, with the entire team sharing responsibility for both victories and setbacks.

Flick has always liked Kounde

Since Flick’s arrival at the club, he has placed immense trust in Kounde. Early on, Flick had candid discussions with the Frenchman about his role in the squad.

Although Kounde has always preferred playing as a centre-back, Flick persuaded him to adapt to the right-back position, mirroring his role in the French national team.

Jules Kounde has complete support of Hansi Flick. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite this positional adjustment, Kounde has showcased his professionalism and delivered consistent performances, becoming a key figure in Barcelona’s campaign so far this season.

Flick has often praised Kounde for his work ethic and fitness discipline, highlighting him as one of the most physically dedicated players in the squad.

Kounde is committed

This commitment has earned Kounde both public accolades and constructive criticism when necessary. His reliability is evident in his remarkable streak of appearances, having not missed a single game for club or country since 2023.

However, fatigue may be catching up with him, prompting speculation that he could be rested in upcoming matches, such as the Champions League tie against Brest or the La Liga fixture against Las Palmas.

Despite his recent error, Barcelona’s coaching staff remains confident in Kounde’s ability to excel as a right-back. They believe such setbacks are valuable learning experiences that will contribute to his growth and consistency in the long term.