One of the most hotly contested issues at Barcelona as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign is Jules Kounde’s future role.
The Frenchman was connected to a move away from Camp Nou earlier in the summer. However, Barça can only let go of so many players in the summer, so the center back may wind up staying with the team as it is.
However, Kounde’s position has been ambiguous for a while. Under Xavi Hernandez, the Frenchman has been forced to play mostly as a right-back even though he was brought in as a central defensive reinforcement.
But with new coach Hansi Flick in charge, Kounde’s problems might soon come to an end. Flick wants Kounde to play at center-back.
Flick is in favor of Kounde playing center back next season, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Frenchman is a center back, and the German is adamant about using him there even if Barcelona may have overbooked the player.
As the new season approaches, the Catalans will have no shortage of central defensive alternatives. Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen—who may be shifted back to central defense—and Kounde are among their choices.
While Inigo is dealing with a challenging contractual position, Eric Garcia’s future is uncertain. Even so, Flick is counting on Kounde to play center back the following campaign.
What happens to the position of right-back?
There might be a void at right back if Kounde plays center back again the next season.
However, Barcelona is still committed to keeping Joao Cancelo on staff, and Julian Araujo will also return from his Las Palmas loan.
Most significantly, Barcelona has confidence in Hector Fort, another young player who is ready to contribute under Flick in the upcoming campaign.
