Unexpected scenario for Koundé: Will he return to the bench in Levante?

The competition for the right back position at FC Barcelona started the season in the best possible way, that is, 'on fire' between Jules Koundé and Eric García. The player from Martorell started the first LaLiga 2025/26 match ahead of the Frenchman.

The '23', who in principle is the starter in the demarcation, entered in the second half against RCD Mallorca, specifically in the 77th minute, when coach Hansi Flick made an adjustment in the defensive zone due to the departure of Pau Cubarsí, and Eric was placed as left center back.

Thus, both Jules and the '24' of the Blaugrana team saw action in the same match, but the Spaniard, who until now is aiming to be the revulsive on the right lane, kept the spotlight of the demarcation at the beginning of the campaign, while the Frenchman focuses on the second matchday.

Koundé, without alarms: his presence against Levante seems guaranteed

In this context, for now, Jules Koundé's substitution does not seem to be an indication of a change in the roadmap, as the German coach wants to keep two high-level players for the same position. 

Apparently, this situation points to a strategy of the technical director and not to a change of plans in the tactical scheme, and this could be evident in the J2, which will be against Levante. In that match, the '23' has everything to start as a starter, since the team comes from an demanding pre-season, of which some players are dragging fatigue.

Although the technical director does not 'marry' anyone by name, but by performance, after the match against the 'Mallorcan' team, he left some words that surely will have fallen in the best way to Eric García.

“He played very well in the pre-season and deserved to play. He also played very well at the end of last season,” Flick pointed out.

On the other hand, in relation to the Frenchman, the coach indicated that he is also at a good level. It is worth remembering that Jules Koundé participated in 53 of the 60 matches of the past season.

Koundé naturally assumes the competition for the right back position

In this order of ideas, the Frenchman is aware that in order to continue being the owner of the right back position he will have to maintain the level of last season —where he scored 3 goals and assisted on 8 occasions—, in addition to discipline, which is non-negotiable for Flick.

Likewise, the player calmly handles the great irruption that Eric García is having in his same position, since Hansi since his arrival has conveyed that everyone must remain focused to have a superlative level.