FC Barcelona v Real Racing Club de Santander - LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27
Jules Kounde sits on the bench during the match between FC Barcelona and Real Racing Club de Santander, corresponding to week 6 of LaLiga EA Sports 2026-27, played at the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, on September 16, 2026. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Gill Clark Gill Clark is the site manager of Barca Blaugranes and joined in 2017. She has worked in sports media as a writer and editor for the best part of two decades and has been in love with the beautiful game for as long as she can remember.
Jules Kounde spoke about his situation at Barcelona over the weekend, admitting that he hadn’t been up to scratch for the Catalan giants and saying that’s the reason why he’s lost his place in the starting XI.
It was refreshing to see such honesty from a player, with Kounde adding that he was confident that he can force his way back into the reckoning in the future.
“If I have less playing time, it’s due to last season, which was far below my standards. It’s a consequence and a challenge that I gladly accept,” he told reporters.
“I’ll have to work, which is what I normally do. It’s up to me to rediscover my best form. I know that when I’m at my best, I’ll get playing time.”
Kounde has enjoyed game time over the international break, featuring for France against Turkiye and Belgium in the Nations League and will now be hoping he can play more at Barca.
Eric Garcia is currently Hansi Flick’s first choice at right-back, while Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart are also options for Barcelona even though both have been playing on the opposite flank this season.
There’s no doubt that Kounde at his best is a quality player but convincing Flick - who has handed him just three starts so far this season - he deserves more game time might be tricky.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Do you believe Jules Kounde can force his way back into the starting XI at Barcelona?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!