Why Jules Koundé dropped to the bench for Barcelona vs Alavés

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has provided an explanation for his decision to afford a rare rest to key defender Jules Koundé on Sunday evening.

Barcelona, of course, marked their return to action a short time ago.

After making the trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz for a La Liga meeting with Deportivo Alavés, the Blaugrana ultimately emerged on the right side of a 3-0 result.

As much came by way of a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick.

As alluded to above, though, whilst his teammates were making it eight wins from nine to open the La Liga campaign, watching on from the bench was Jules Koundé.

France international Koundé had before today started in every one of Barcelona’s fixtures across all competitions this season.

Speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle at Mendizorroza, Hansi Flick, in turn, was asked for an explanation for his decision to leave the former Sevilla man out of his latest XI.

And Barca’s headmaster did not hesitate in assuring:

“Koundé was benched due to rest, nothing else.”

Conor Laird – GSFN