Flick highlights Kounde’s push for a stronger La Liga run at Barcelona

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Jules Kounde is working hard to rediscover his best form after the defender made a slow start to the new La Liga campaign.

Kounde has appeared in all three of Barcelona’s league matches this season, but he was named among the substitutes for the opening two games. Flick has now offered his assessment of the France international, stressing the effort the player is making as he looks to reach his highest level again.

“He is working hard to return to his best form,” Flick said of Kounde.

The defender’s involvement in every league fixture means he remains part of Flick’s plans, although his position in the starting line-up has changed during the opening stages of the season. Beginning the first two matches on the bench meant Kounde had to wait for his opportunities before featuring on the pitch.

His continued involvement gives him another chance to build momentum when Barcelona travel to face Valencia on 6 September. The match, which will be played in the fourth round of La Liga, is scheduled to begin at 17:15 Moscow time.

For Flick, Kounde’s situation is one of a player working towards his best form rather than one absent from the team’s plans. The coach’s comments underline the defender’s efforts as Barcelona prepare for their next league assignment.

Kounde has therefore been present in each of Barcelona’s three matches in the competition, despite not starting the first two. The trip to Valencia will provide the next opportunity for him to continue that run and demonstrate the progress referred to by Flick.

Barcelona’s meeting with Valencia is the fourth-round fixture listed in the source report. It will be played away from home, with the scheduled kick-off set for 17:15 Moscow time on 6 September.

Flick’s remarks centre on Kounde’s work behind the scenes and his attempt to return to his best level. While the defender has featured throughout the opening three league games, the fact that he initially began two of those matches on the bench provides the context for the manager’s comments.

The Barcelona boss has not suggested that Kounde has been removed from consideration. Instead, his message is that the player is putting in the work required to regain his strongest form. With Barcelona now preparing to visit Valencia, Kounde has another opportunity to contribute in La Liga and continue his involvement at the start of the season.