FC Barcelona are set to take on Alavés in La Liga on Sunday, after which most squad players will disperse to represent their national teams during the international break. With several key players leaving for international duty, the Blaugranas will hope injuries do not plague them during this period.
One of the several players called up to international duty from Barcelona is Jules Kounde. The right-back is a regular in Didier Deschamps’ squad lists and he has gone on to establish himself as one of the best in his position in the league in these first few months.
Kounde has been ever-present for Hansi Flick so far this season. He has played every single minute for the club across all competitions and is one of only two players alongside Robert Lewandowski to have started every single game.
However, the flip side of the argument is that the 25-year-old Frenchman has received no rest of any kind so far this season. Now, one can’t expect an international coach to do Barcelona any favors by resting Kounde but when there are double standards, it’s bound to irk the club.
As per SPORT, Barcelona are frustrated by French manager Didier Deschamps’ apparent favoritism towards Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé, pointing to the fact that he has been left out of the France squad list since he needs rest.
When Deschamps was asked about the same, here is what the French manager had to say to explain his reasoning behind leaving Mbappé out:
“I spoke with Kylian, there is a game on Saturday (against Villarreal), in 48 hours with questions, he has a problem that is not serious but requires care so that he recovers well. I am not here to take risks.”
When Mbappé was fit enough to play nearly 30 minutes against Lille in the Champions League, it seemed like preferential treatment for the Real Madrid superstar, who is being rested. This contrasts with Koundé, who could also use some rest.
Mbappé suffered a hamstring issue that was supposed to keep him out for a month but made a swift return to action. Now, he is set to get complete rest for a couple of weeks to be fit and firing conveniently in time for El Clasico post the international break.
Despite Kounde’s impeccable fitness and maybe the fact that he doesn’t need rest, this kind of treatment isn’t going to sit well with Barcelona.
