Barcelona concerned about key defender’s performances this season – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are once again on track to win the La Liga title, having opened up a seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid.

However, their UEFA Champions League hopes are dangling by a thread following the 0-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid this week in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

While questionable officiating from referee Istvan Kovacs contributed to the result, there were some issues with the Catalans’ performances as well that have raised concerns.

Jules Kounde not at his best

Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, one of the conclusions that Barcelona drew after the defeat to Atletico was that key defender Jules Kounde was not performing at his best.

As per the report, the Blaugrana are concerned about the dip in the performance levels of the French right-back in the 2025/26 season.

Kounde ended the last season as one of Barça’s best players, scoring in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, and establishing himself as an undisputed starter at right-back.

Kounde was not at his best vs Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Following that, the defender was handed a new contract by the club in August, especially with Manchester City having been sniffing around.

However, since then, there has been a decline in Kounde’s performances, while he has also been bogged down by injury problems.

In the last game against Atletico Madrid, those at Barcelona felt that the right-back was soft in his duel against Matteo Ruggeri, allowing him to hit crosses into the box with too much ease.

However, it must not be forgotten that it was Kounde’s first start in over a month after he had been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Nevertheless, there are some concerns within Barcelona about his performance this season. And, some reports in Spain have even suggested that the Catalans could open the doors for a summer departure.