The reasons why Koundé started the 25/26 season as a substitute

Jules Koundé was called up for the first presentation of FC Barcelona in LaLiga EA Sports 25/26. However, he was not part of the starting eleven. Hansi Flick decided that Eric García should take his place on the field. The Frenchman entered in the 77th minute for Raphinha.

The Parisian center-back was one of the most consistent players last season with Barça, being a pillar in obtaining the Copa del Rey, LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup, playing 53 games and scoring 4 goals. Despite this, he was a substitute during the Joan Gamper Trophy and now in the league debut against Mallorca.

In principle, the latest rumors about the culé dressing room indicate that the non-alignment of the Frenchman is due to the fact that the relationship between Hansi Flick and Jules Koundé is going through a delicate moment. The German coach has punished the former Sevilla player, alleging several instances of tardiness on his part. In the 24/25 season, the defender was a substitute in two league games (Alavés and Espanyol) for that reason.

Koundé is no longer indisputable because of Eric García

Jules Koundé seemed to be one of the indisputable players in Flick's XI. However, the Teutonic technical director left a clear message at the beginning of the season with the starting position of Eric García, his substitute in the previous year, who played the 90 minutes of the match in Son Moix.

García had a passing effectiveness of 95% (53 out of 56 possible), 2 accurate long shots and no loss of ball. In addition, he was impeccable in defense with 2 clearances, 2 headed clearances and 2 recoveries. Becoming an alternative with many guarantees on the right wing.

Similarly, the Martorell native earned the coach's trust in the final stretch of the 24/25 season, covering the '23' when he was out due to injury. Flick stopped Eric's return to Girona in January and the 24-year-old defender has responded by taking a leap in quality in his performance occupying alternative positions.

Koundé received proposals from important clubs in Europe to leave

Koundé's irruption in his last season aroused the interest of different clubs in Europe, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. The sports management of the blaugrana club received offers that exceeded 65 million euros.

However, neither Joan Laporta nor Deco considered selling the French defender, nor did he want to leave. Even the '23' ended up renewing until June 2030. Now that the Paris native has been relegated from his position due to García's good level, will he not consider looking for new airs in the medium term?