Barça coach Xavi persuades Jules Koundé to stay
The French defender played the majority of the past season out of position
Jules Koundé has had an atypical first season at Barcelona. The French defender was forced to play most of the games at right-back over his preferred centre-back spot. This has raised concerns regarding his future at the club.
The impeccable level of Christensen and Araújo in the centre of the park kept him away from his natural position, but to his credit, he earned his place in the starting line-up on the right flank.
The Frenchman had numerous conversations with his coach Xavi Hernandez about his position, fuelling rumours of a possible departure from Barça. However, the player himself responded to the reports on social media to deny that he had asked to leave the club:
"To make it clear: at no time did I ask to leave, therefore, I'm not going anywhere."
The player confirmed his continuity, although his main position is yet to be resolved. The situation has worsened with the arrival of Íñigo Martínez, further increasing the competition in central defence.
In the face of uncertainty, Xavi Hernández has once again stepped up to put out this new 'fire' in his team. The conversations between the coach and the player have been key to making Koundé understand his new role.
As reported by Cadena SER and confirmed by Diario AS, the Frenchman has agreed to return to the right-back position next season despite his discomfort. Xavi considers the player an essential piece in the team's historic defensive records this season. He is adamant about keeping the Frenchman in the club.
However, the Catalan giants are still scouring the market for a right-back to reinforce the team next season. This has not been completely ruled out, as Xavi does not have a natural player in that position, nevertheless, it is not a priority at the moment.
