Barça makes Jules Koundé's news official, the announcement comes at a critical moment

Jules Koundé has become the main protagonist of current Barça news after the latest post by the Catalan club on social media. The Frenchman, whose performance has dropped significantly compared to last season, is experiencing his most turbulent moment since he signed for Barça. Let's remember that he arrived from Sevilla for €50 million as one of the center-backs with the greatest potential on the continent, but at Camp Nou he has ended up settling as a right-back.

Last season, Jules Koundé was, in fact, the outfield player most used by Hansi Flick. Only an unexpected injury in the final matches prevented him from completing a full participation, showing that he was an essential piece both in defense and in building from the back. His performance was so good that FC Barcelona ruled out signing a natural backupfor the right flank in the summer transfer window, fully trusting his consistency and physical strength.

However, since the start of the current season, Jules Koundé seems like a different footballer. Even during the Gamper, signs of a lack of concentration were noticeable, details uncharacteristic of a Barça full-back who must be extremely focused. As the matches have gone by, the initial impressions have turned into a tangible reality: his level has dropped worryingly.

His low number of miles (km) covered, turnovers, and lack of defensive strength have been the usual pattern for Jules Koundé in these early matches. This is how he has gone from being one of the most reliable footballers on the team to one of the most questioned. Flick has even hinted that he needs a more solid version of the Frenchman to regain the defensive balance that characterized the team last season.

FC Barcelona praises Jules Koundé amid the storm

Meanwhile, amid the media storm, FC Barcelona has tried to calm things down and protect their player. Through a post on social media, the club has announced that Jules Koundé is now the third French footballer with the most appearances in Barça's history. This is no small feat: it speaks of continuity, commitment, and presence in decisive moments.

The recognition also comes at a critical moment for him. Barça wanted to remind everyone that Jules Koundé is a pillar in the locker room, since he has already reached 160 appearances with the team, which has allowed him to equal Lenglet. With this gesture, the Catalan club seeks to reinforce their trust in him and offer him an emotional boost that will help him rediscover his best form.

It remains to be seen whether this institutional support will manage to reverse the negative trend. Barça urgently needs to get the best version of Jules Koundé back. That competitive, fast, alert, and forceful right-back, especially with a demanding schedule that will test the entire squad.