Jules Koundé, from Flick's bench to Zidane's captaincy: double destiny
While Jules Koundé sees his playing time decrease under Hansi Flick's orders at FC Barcelona, Zinedine Zidane has officially named him among the four captains of the France national team, marking a clear dichotomy in his week.
Since the start of the season, the defender's loss of influence at Barça has been evident: once indispensable on the right flank, he now has to contend with stronger competition from Eric Garcia, who has become one of Flick's trusted men. This development has resulted in a lack of regular starts. The Frenchman is no longer untouchable under Flick's directives.
Against Racing Santander, Koundé started on the bench, while Eric Garcia occupied the right side of the defence, illustrating the trend beyond a simple one‑off choice.
Increased competition in the Barcelona defence
According to AS's analysis, Koundé and Eric Garcia are directly fighting for a place in Flick's eleven. The Spanish international benefits from technical quality and an understanding with Lamine Yamal, two factors particularly appreciated by the German manager. This rivalry increases the pressure on the French defender.
A new option in the midfield emerges with the recent injury to Andreas Christensen's left leg, reducing Flick's choices. Gerard Martín continues to fight for a spot alongside Pau Cubarsí, while Koundé has the advantage of being able to play on the right as well as in central defence. However, it is still premature to consider a permanent repositioning.
Strengthened captaincy with the Blues
Zidane had already placed Koundé among his three vice‑captains, alongside Ousmane Dembélé and Adrien Rabiot. The manager then publicly confirmed his hierarchy: “Kylian is my captain, then Dembélé, Rabiot and Koundé. Those are my four captains.” This appointment formalises the defender's role within the France team.
This status in the national team will not change Flick's choices at Barça, but it confirms the place held by the former Bordeaux player in the hierarchy of the Blues at the very moment his club situation becomes less comfortable. Between his new status with the Blues and the movements in the Barcelona defence, Koundé has several levers to reverse the trend.