Kounde Denies Asking Flick for Center-Back Role as Barcelona Weigh Defensive Options

Overview

• Spanish outlet COPE reported that Jules Kounde asked Hansi Flick to move him from right-back to center-back, but the defender later posted that the claim was a “lie.”
• Ronald Araujo remains on a temporary leave following his red card against Chelsea, and the club has not set a return date.
• Hansi Flick has recently partnered Pau Cubarsí with Gerard Martin in central defense as he reshapes the back line.
• The coach has not publicly addressed the reported conversation with Kounde or indicated any imminent positional changes.
• Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen are available at center-back, and Garcia is also viewed as cover at right-back.