Jules Koundé denies Cadena COPE: 'After what happened with Ronald Araújo he asked...'

In the world of soccer, it's not very common for the main figures to address rumors and gossip from the media. Leaks and opinions are part of athletes' daily lives, as they usually choose to remain silent to avoid generating more noise. However, Jules Koundé has had enough.

The French full-back from FC Barcelona has been the center of attention for weeks due to his poor performance at the start of this season. Let's remember that last season he was one of the team's best players and was even considered one of the best right-backs in the world. But this year, his level is far from the desired one.

Sports talk shows have analyzed each of his moves, highlighting that Jules Koundé seems less intense, less focused, and more insecure than before. All of this has led to countless hours of debate on radio and television, pointing to a possible drop in morale or even certain internal disagreements. But, as with everything in soccer, there's a limit, and Koundé reached it this week after a report broadcast by Cadena COPE.

What has happened?

Helena Condis stated on El Partidazo de COPE that Jules Koundé had expressly asked Hansi Flick to play as a center-back. According to the journalist, this conversation took place "after what happened with Ronald Araújo," referring to the personal moment the Uruguayan is experiencing. This version suggested that Koundé was looking to take advantage of his teammate's situation to regain his natural position in the heart of the defense.

The news spread like wildfire, causing concern among Barça fans and reigniting doubts about the internal atmosphere in the locker room. However, the surprise came yesterday when Jules Koundé himself decided to intervene personally to deny Helena Condis's words. He did so in a way that was as simple as it was forceful.

Jules Koundé's brilliant response

The Frenchman posted on his social media an image of a lever tilting toward a red area where it read "LIE." Without needing to write a single word, the message was clear. Jules Koundé was not willing to allow a narrative to be built in which he took advantage of Ronald Araújo's difficult moment.

Jules Koundé has never replied to criticism of his own performance, but he has stepped up when the information affected Ronald Araújo's image. This detail reinforces his role as one of the silent leaders in the Barça locker room. He is able to keep his composure in the face of personal attacks, but stands firm when it comes to defending a teammate.

At Barça, they celebrate this show of internal unity, especially at a delicate moment in the season. Beyond performance, Jules Koundé's message makes it clear that the locker room is more united than some want to make it seem. That, without a doubt, is one of the most important pieces of news for Flick in the coming months.