FC Barcelona held the renewal ceremony for Jules Koundé this Thursday, a couple of days before the second matchday of LaLiga at Levante's ground. The Parisian player was a substitute in the Gamper and against Mallorca, as Hansi Flick has opted for Eric García as the starting right-back in both matches.
Although, for the first time since the arrival of the German coach to Barça, his place in the starting lineup seems compromised, the '23' is confident that he can take advantage of greater competition to improve his level. In the 24/25 season, Jules was untouchable in the backline until he was injured in the first leg of the Champions League 'semi-finals' against Inter, at the end of April.
Koundé, delighted to compete with Eric García for a starting spot
The French international missed the last month of competition due to an injury in his left thigh. García took over in his place, completing good performances in Liga and Champions League that allowed the 'culés' to lift the First Division trophy and come close to the final of the top European competition.
In that sense, far from feeling pressured by the good form of the '24', Koundé praised his teammate. Like the Frenchman, the player from Martorell is a natural centre-back, but with versatility to adapt to other positions.
"I see him very well, I like the competition. Eric is a great player. I feel very good and although we are starting the season I can't say that I will be as I hope to be later on. I am very demanding with myself and I work to be better every year", argued the 26-year-old defender.
In the 24/25 season, Jules scored 4 goals and provided 8 assists in 53 appearances with Barça. Despite missing the last month of the season, he reached 4,423 minutes of action. In the 2025 pre-season, he reappeared, completing 180 minutes in the four summer friendlies, starting against Seoul (3-7) and Daegu (0-5).
The Champions League is not an obsession for Koundé
In the 25/26 season, however, Koundé could alternate between starting and substitute appearances more often. Flick will be very careful with the management of the minutes of the squad, ensuring that the whole team reaches the decisive stretch (April-May) in top physical condition. In principle, Barça can exceed 60 matches played if they hope to fight for the treble.
In this regard, the French defender did not hesitate to point to the Champions League as the main objective for this season, although he is clear that it will be the most difficult trophy to lift. Although he does not consider it an obsession or a "danger", he sees the competition as a priority objective.
"Anything that is not winning it is not a failure, but our goal is to win it, of course. It is the competition that generates the most excitement. Not only at Barça. It is the tournament that generates the most relevance. And we all dream of winning it", pointed out Jules Koundé.
The Frenchman has been in Barcelona for three years and has secured his permanence at the club for four more seasons. A renewal that, in addition, allows the club to secure the future of one of its most valuable defenders. The '23' is valued at around 65 million on Transfermarkt and his release clause remains at 1,000 'kilos'.