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The future role of Jules Kounde has been one of the most debated topics at Barcelona as the club gear up for the new season.
Earlier in the summer, the Frenchman was linked with a move away from Camp Nou. But Barça can only get rid of so many players in the summer, and as things stand, the centre-back might end up remaining at the club.
However, for quite some time, Kounde’s role has been unclear. Despite being hired as a central defensive reinforcement, the Frenchman has had to largely operate as a right-back under Xavi Hernandez.
Flick wants Kounde to play at centre-back
Jules Kounde’s woes, though, could soon come to an end under the leadership of new coach Hansi Flick.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick is in favour of Kounde operating as a centre-back next season.
Kounde will operate as a centre-back at Barcelona next season (Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images)
The German’s conviction of deploying the Frenchman as a centre-back comes even as Barcelona deal with a potential overbooking in the position.
Indeed, the Catalans have no shortage of central defensive options going into the new season. Their options include Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, who might be moved back to central defence and now Kounde.
There are doubts whether Eric Garcia will be allowed to continue, whereas Inigo is facing a delicate contractual situation. But even then, Flick has placed his faith in Kounde to operate as a centre-back next season.
What happens to the right-back position?
With Kounde returning to centre-back next season, there could be a hole in the right-back position.
Barcelona, though, remain determined to retain the services of Joao Cancelo while Julian Araujo will also return from his loan spell at Las Palmas.
Most importantly, Barcelona have placed their faith in another youngster Hector Fort, who is more than prepared to make an impact under Flick next season.
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/hansi-flick-makes-decision-on-jules-koundes-debated-position-at-barcelona/
Author : Connell Edgar-Jones
Publish date : 2024-06-06 11:50:30
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