In the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, which ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw, several controversial issues arose, particularly regarding the team’s starting lineup. While some players delivered standout performances, French defender Jules Koundé faced heavy criticism for his poor display during the match.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Koundé, who has been playing as a right-back, became a major point of contention among his teammates due to his underwhelming performance. Some Barcelona players, notably Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, reportedly urged coach Hansi Flick to drop Koundé from the starting eleven and instead give Ronald Araujo the opportunity to play at right-back, especially in crucial matches.
Koundé’s struggles were evident against Atlético Madrid, where he committed multiple defensive errors and failed to contribute effectively in attack. His disappointing performance has raised doubts about his suitability for the right-back role, leading to calls for his replacement.
Despite the criticism from within the squad, coach Flick appears determined to stand by his decisions. He remains committed to his tactical approach and is reluctant to alter his lineup, even in the face of mounting pressure from his players to make adjustments.
