'Not normal' - Flick left speechless by surprise Barcelona star

Tom Weber

• Updated: 27 Sept 2024 17:26 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick says that he has never seen a player like Jules Kounde.

The Frenchman has been in outstanding form for some time and he has made himself an indispensable part of Barcelona's side under new coach Hansi Flick.

Kounde is one of just two Blaugrana players, along with Raphinha, to have played the full 90 minutes in every match under the German so far and he has impressed with his consistently good performances at right-back, which was a real problem position under former manager Xavi.

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Moreover, the 25-year-old has become a real fan favourite with his actions away from the pitch. After the last international break, he travelled from France back to Catalunya by train rather than private jet and his teammates have recorded him going back to the gym immediately after games.

Flick on Kounde's 'not normal' attitude

Ahead of Barcelona's three-game week, which kicks off with a match at Osasuna before they face Young Boys at home and Alaves away, coach Flick was asked whether Kounde needed a rest given that he has been an ever-present in his side.

"You say to him that he should rest," he replied, pointing at the journalist asking the question. "It's unbelievable. I never had this before because, after the match, he wants to train. I said, 'okay, come on, today only treatment' - 'No, I want to be on the pitch!'

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"It's unbelievable. He's an absolute professional about his body, about everything, and also it's good to see that he wants to improve. Every training, he tries to do his best. It's fantastic. It's not normal, this attitude, but it's good."

Kounde has frequently been linked with a move away from Barcelona, with clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd all said to be keeping tabs on him. However, on current form, it is difficult to see the Catalans being willing to entertain a potential sale.