🚨 Jules Koundé Fires Warning to Barcelona: Defender Vows to Win Back Starting Spot From Eric García

Jules Koundé has accepted his loss of playing time at Barcelona but insists he is ready to fight his way back into Hansi Flick’s starting XI after falling behind Eric García at right-back.

The France international has also seen his position change under new national-team boss Zinedine Zidane, making the current international break an important period for the 27-year-old defender to prove he can return to his best level.

Koundé Accepts Barcelona Setback

Jules Koundé has offered a remarkably honest assessment of his current situation at Barcelona, admitting that his reduced playing time is a consequence of his own performances last season.

The French defender has fallen behind Eric García in Hansi Flick’s plans at right-back, with Koundé spending much of the opening weeks of the campaign on the bench.

Rather than blaming the manager or pointing to an injury, Koundé accepted responsibility.

He explained that he is physically fine and that his lack of minutes is a technical decision, while acknowledging that he was below his own standards during the previous campaign.

“It Is a Challenge That I Accept”

Koundé has made it clear that he does not intend to allow his situation to continue.

The Barcelona defender described the competition for his position as a challenge he welcomes and believes his performances can ultimately determine whether he returns to the team.

His message is effectively a promise to work harder and recover the level that previously made him one of Barcelona’s most trusted defenders.

Koundé also believes that if he reaches his best condition, opportunities will follow.

That attitude could be particularly important at a Barcelona side where competition for places has become intense.

Eric García Has Taken His Opportunity

Eric García has benefited from Koundé’s difficult start and has established himself as Flick’s preferred option at right-back.

Koundé has started only one La Liga match this season, while he has also been used less frequently than in previous campaigns.

Mundo Deportivo reported that he had been a substitute in six of Barcelona’s first seven league matches, with his opportunities further complicated by the presence of João Cancelo.

Flick has also discussed the possibility of Koundé returning to his natural centre-back position, where he impressed during his early period at Barcelona.

That could provide another route back into the starting XI.

Zidane Has Changed the Picture for France

Koundé’s situation with France has also become more complicated since Zinedine Zidane took over as head coach.

The defender started Zidane’s first match in charge, playing the full 90 minutes during France’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Türkiye.

However, he was left on the bench against Belgium and Italy, with Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu selected at right-back.

That represents a significant change for Koundé, who had been a regular starter under former France boss Didier Deschamps.

Zidane has made it clear that established names will not automatically receive starting places, creating another competition Koundé must now navigate.

Koundé Praises Zidane’s Approach

Despite his changing role, Koundé has spoken positively about working under Zidane.

The Barcelona defender described the new France coach as someone who stays close to his players and communicates frequently with them.

Koundé also explained that Zidane wants him to contribute more in possession, particularly by offering greater verticality and reducing mistakes when building from the back.

Those demands mirror some of the areas Koundé himself identified as needing improvement.

A Double Fight for Koundé

Koundé now finds himself fighting for his place at both club and international level.

At Barcelona, Eric García has taken advantage of his opportunity.

With France, Kalulu has emerged as another serious competitor under Zidane.

But Koundé's response has been clear: he accepts the challenge rather than running from it.

The defender knows his reputation alone will not guarantee him a starting place. His route back into both teams will have to come through performances.

For a player who has previously been an important figure for Barcelona and France, the next stage of his career could depend on how quickly he can rediscover that level.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Is Jules Koundé still Barcelona’s best option at right-back?

🔥 Fire: Should Hansi Flick restore Koundé to the starting XI?

😲 Shock: Has Eric García genuinely overtaken Koundé at Barcelona?

👍 Like: Koundé accepting responsibility instead of making excuses.

💬 Comment: Who should start at right-back for Barcelona — Koundé or Eric García?