Report: Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Punished Key Player By Dropping Him Against Alaves

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick reportedly dropped Jules Kounde from the starting XI against Deportivo Alaves as a punishment. It ended Kounde’s streak of 10 consecutive starts for the Blaugrana in the 2024-25 season.

Hansi Flick Punished Jules Kounde Against Alaves

Barca coach Flick recently commended Kounde for his commitment, noting his eagerness to play every single game. However, with many top players picking up long-term injuries over the last few weeks, it is important to give players rest. So, when Kounde started on the bench as Barcelona took on Deportivo Alaves at the Mendizorroza Stadium on Sunday afternoon, October 6, not many batted an eye. It was seen as a regular rotational call to keep Kounde fresh for the remainder of the season.

Spanish outlet Diario Sport, however, has claimed that it was not a routine switch from Flick. As per the outlet, Flick punished Kounde by benching him on Sunday. The 25-year-old was reportedly in line to start his 11th consecutive match this weekend but tardiness robbed him of the opportunity.

Kounde was late to a pre-match meeting on Sunday, and Flick made a last-minute-change to the starting XI, giving his spot to 18-year-old Hector Fort. Kounde came off the bench finally in the 67th minute and saw the game out.

The decision to bench in-form Kounde has given Flick even more authority in the dressing room. Every player at Barcelona now knows Flick will not hesitate to bench a key player if they do not uphold his values.

Barcelona Cruises to La Liga Top Spot

Kounde’s omission did not hurt the Spanish powerhouse on Sunday, as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win against Deportivo Alaves. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for the visitors just seven minutes in, applying a clinical header to Raphinha’s inviting free-kick into the box.

The Polish center-forward doubled his money 15 minutes later, once again benefitting from a brilliant delivery from Raphinha. The Brazilian forward picked up the ball and attacked the left-hand channel before playing it into the six-yard box for Lewandowski to tap home. Ten minutes later, Lewandowski completed his hat-trick, putting away Eric Garcia’s delivery from close range.

With the 3-0 win, Barcelona took their tally to 24 points in nine games. They are now sitting three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.