Whenever the going gets stuff, it is essential for FC Barcelona to stick together and address things as a team. No matter what happens, there are always going to be moments in football where adversity has to be countered. To do that, however, the players and coaching staff of Barcelona needs to stand united.
Until and unless they manage to do just that, there will be moments when significant tensions are created and it becomes rather difficult to overcome them. The latest result against Celta Vigo, for instance, brought about such circumstances that the team is now having to deal with.
With a lot of criticism being directed towards Jules Kounde due to his errors that led to game-changing goals, Hansi Flick has decided to jump in and defend his player instead. As highlighted by SPORT, the German coach discussed the matter internally and also stood by his player publicly, reassuring everyone that they are all equally responsible:
“We are a team, and when we lose, we all lose together.”
Moreover, after Gavi made some comments that many assume were singling out Kounde, Hansi Flick did not take lightly to it. He addressed the matter privately and spoke to the players as well, reportedly stating that it was not helpful at all to make comments like these after the match.
At the same time, however, Flick is never shy from disciplining his players when they do step out of line. While he continues to support Kounde and treats the Frenchman as one of his best performers this season, there have been instances where the coach has shown the player the consequences of not abiding by his rules.
Still, the former Sevilla defender continues to be one of Flick’s most trusted players this season. Moreover, while the German coach understands the need for some extra rest and the good it would do for the player, he also does not have the same kind of faith in Kounde’s back-up players and continues to insist that the Frenchman keep starting.