Kounde Sparks Tension: Flick's Frustration and Barca's Top-Flight Push
7 February 2026
First-half struggles for Kounde
The French defender faced big troubles against Mallorca's attack.
Jules Koundé's performance in the first half of Barcelona's 3-0 win over Mallorca worried the coaching staff, as the French defender struggled, committed several errors, and faced clear pressure from Mallorca's forward Jan Vergeili.
Coach's response and the standings
The performance prompted discomfort from Barca coach Hansi Flick during the match at Spotify Camp Nou, in La Liga matchday 23, according to Marca.
Flick's remarks after tonight's game, where he spoke about considering starting young midfielder Tom Marques as a right-back, underscored his dissatisfaction with Kondé's contribution and opened the door to him potentially leaving the XI soon.
With a sweeping victory over Mallorca, Barça moved to 58 points, atop La Liga, four points ahead of Real Madrid, who sit second, ahead of their match against Valencia on Sunday in the same round.
Punchline: If football were stand-up, Kounde would be booked for a season of “misplaced passes.” And Flick’s tactical notes would be the punchline that keeps getting bounced off the crossbar—on repeat.
