Barcelona star refuses Hansi Flick’s pre-season offer

A leading member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has this week proven his commitment to the Blaugrana cause once more.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who point towards Jules Koundé as the player in question.

Defender Koundé, for his part, is fresh off playing his part with France at the European Championships.

En route to Les Bleus’ elimination at the hands of eventual champions Spain at the semi-final stage, the former Sevilla man featured from the off in all six of his country’s fixtures.

Not only that, but Koundé went on to thoroughly impress, too.

After he also played a prominent role for Barcelona over the length of the 2023/24 campaign, the 25-year-old was in turn recently advised by Blaugrana head coach Hansi Flick to skip the club’s pre-season tour of the USA.

As per Sport:

‘Flick told Kounde that after a long season and the demands of the European Championship, it would be best for the defender to rest for at least three full weeks to get some fresh air.’

This plea on the part of the German, however, fell on deaf ears.

As much comes with Koundé – whose remarkable work rate has long been a topic of discussion in Catalunya’s capital – having made clear his desire to join his teammates on their journey stateside.

‘Kounde did not give in and remained firm in his intention to go on the tour,’ it is reiterated.

Conor Laird | GSFN