The newspaper 'Sport' spoke this morning about the situation of a Barcelona player and the challenge he faces this season, hours before the anticipated match against Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish league.
Barcelona will host Rayo Vallecano at the 'Camp Nou' stadium for the third round of the Spanish league, in a match where the Blaugrana aim to secure their third consecutive victory in the domestic competition.
Sport focused today on Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, who sat on the bench during the matches against Elche and Athletic Bilbao in the first and second rounds of the Spanish league.
Sport noted that Koundé is in a completely new situation with Barcelona, as the French international started this season as a substitute, after being a starter and an indispensable player during the past two seasons under manager Hansi Flick, as well as under Barcelona's previous manager, Xavi Hernández. Koundé must now fight to regain his starting position in the team.
Read more .. Barcelona's expected lineup against Rayo Vallecano today in the Spanish league
It added that Flick currently sees Eric García as more suitable to start at right-back, considering the Spanish international to be more appropriate to play alongside Lamine Yamal on the right side, rather than Koundé, after García was tried in several positions last season, such as right-back, center-back, and defensive midfielder.
It clarified that the decision to rely on García as the first choice at right-back for Barcelona is good news for Koundé, as the latter prefers to play as a center-back. However, the player faces competition from Gerard Martín, Pau Cubarsí, and Andreas Christensen, with the latter having had a good pre-season and enjoying Flick's trust.
It further stated that Koundé found himself playing very few minutes in the first two rounds of the Spanish league, while Barcelona remains open to selling the player if a substantial offer arrives before the summer transfer window closes.
Barcelona may allow Koundé to leave before the summer transfer window closes tomorrow, Tuesday, but for a significant fee, given the player's long-term contract with the Blaugrana. Meanwhile, the French international is part of Flick's plans and must now make an effort to regain his place in the starting lineup of the Spanish club.