Barcelona injury gives Jules Kounde chance to win back Hans Flick’s trust

Jules Kounde has been handed a possible route back into Hans Flick’s plans after Andreas Christensen’s injury reduced Barcelona’s defensive options.

The France international has fallen out of the starting line-up during Barcelona’s encouraging opening to the season, with the team producing positive results as Flick’s players increasingly adapt to his methods. Kounde, however, has gone three consecutive matches without playing a single minute.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the 26-year-old was left unused against Levante, Racing and Sevilla. His omission at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan attracted particular attention, given his strong spell at Sevilla before joining Barcelona. Despite receiving a warm reception from the home supporters, Kounde watched from the substitutes’ bench as he faced his former club.

His situation is now becoming a significant sporting issue rather than merely an emotional one. Kounde has started only two of Barcelona’s first eight matches of the season, while his role at right-back has diminished because of the emergence of young defender Xavi Espart and the impressive form of Eric Garcia in that position.

Christensen’s injury has altered the picture in defence. The Denmark international had earned Flick’s approval as Pau Cubarsi’s central defensive partner, but his absence in the coming weeks will leave the German coach with fewer options at the back.

That could give Kounde an opportunity to return in a position he knows well. His tactical versatility may now become valuable to Barcelona again. Although Flick has primarily used him as a right-back since the start of last season, the shortage of central defenders could persuade the manager to move him back into the centre.

Kounde has played only 10 minutes as a centre-back in the five matches he has featured in this season. Christensen’s injury, though, may force a change to those plans and provide him with a fresh chance to demonstrate his usefulness.

The defender also showed his determination to change his situation after the Sevilla match. Although he had not taken part in the game, Kounde was the only Barcelona player to complete training afterwards, recognising the need to work again to regain Flick’s confidence.

Barcelona require defenders who are ready to contribute, and Kounde could now offer a reliable solution during Christensen’s absence. His ability to switch between right-back and centre-back would allow Flick to rotate his defence, but the decision over whether he returns to the team is once again in the player’s hands.

The forthcoming international break could also help Kounde rebuild his match sharpness. He has been called up by France for four friendly matches, against Turkey, Belgium, Italy and Belgium again, giving him the opportunity to regain his competitive rhythm and reconnect with his important role for the national side.