Reason why Flick included Barcelona defender for Celta Vigo clash despite fitness issue – report | OneFootball

A new report from SPORT has shed light on why Hansi Flick ultimately decided to include Jules Kounde in Barcelona’s travelling squad for their La Liga clash against Celta Vigo, despite lingering concerns over the defender’s fitness.

Only a day earlier, Flick had admitted during his pre-match press conference that Kounde was unlikely to make the squad. 

“Jules? He hasn’t finished training, and I have doubts he’ll make the squad. I don’t think he’ll be ready, but we have another day. We’ll wait and see,” the German coach had said.

However, things changed rapidly behind the scenes. Flick’s initial plan was to count on Kounde only if he proved to be fully fit. 

On Saturday morning, he had even authorised Xavi Espart to rejoin Barça Atletic and train ahead of their match against Torrent, expecting that Espart would not be needed with the senior side.

Everything changed

But the situation took a sharp turn after Kounde experienced discomfort during the final training session and was forced to withdraw early. 

Jules Kounde did not complete training on Saturday. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Given his knock from the midweek clash against Club Brugge, the staff decided to reassess the defensive options for Vigo. 

Flick and his coaching team eventually chose to include Kounde in the travelling squad anyway, although his participation remains uncertain.

The idea behind this decision goes beyond the tactical aspect. Flick wanted Kounde to travel with the group to maintain squad unity and boost morale ahead of what the coach described as a “must-win” encounter. 

While Kounde’s presence will offer support, he is not expected to start. Instead, Flick is planning to rely on Eric Garcia, who will play on the right side of defence wearing a protective mask.

Behind Garcia, Flick will have two backup options, namely, Kounde and Xavi Espart. The latter’s inclusion came as a late adjustment, which is a direct result of uncertainty surrounding the French international.