FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick briefly discussed why Jules Kounde was punished after their team … [+]
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick briefly discussed why Jules Kounde was punished after their team beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 on Monday to return to the top of La Liga at Real Madrid’s expense.
Kounde had been expected to start at right back amid the Catalans having eight days’ rest since their 4-1 win over Sevilla last time out.
An hour before kick off, though, the publishing of the first XI showed that Kounde had been dropped in favor of Hector Fort, with Flick insisting it was an internal matter when probed.
Outlets such as Cope reported that Kounde had been punished for being late, which Flick pretty much confirmed when speaking to Movistar post-match.
“Before the game we have two or three meetings. It is very important that the players are there, and it is not difficult to arrive on time. It’s about respect for your colleagues. Kounde arrived late, and it is a clear rule of the house. It can’t happen and it happened today,” Flick explained.
As for the match itself, Flick said it was a “very difficult” affair “against a great rival”.
“It was a very difficult job for the players, but we are happy … The players are happy, of course. All the people at the club. I think we can play better than today,” Flick insisted.
Flick commended the team’s trainers and physiotherapists for their work, as well as Deco for hiring them.
“It’s not only Pedri that is so good physically, but it is true that he has played a great game – he is an extraordinary player,” Flick remarked about the number 8, who put in a performance that has done nothing to quell talk of him being the best midfielder in the world on current form.
“We are reaching the beginning of the end of the season and it is key that everyone is at their highest level,” Flick stressed.
With Barca awarded a penalty by VAR, Flick didn’t want to be drawn into an incident that could have seen Rayo given a spot kick via the same method.
“I didn’t see the play. We have VAR and I believe in VAR, that’s all I can say,” he stated.
The scorer of Barca’s winner Robert Lewandowski wasn’t happy about being brought off for Ferran Torres, which Flick thought was “normal”.
“He always wants to score goals. The decision is made by me and it is the decision I’ve taken today. I decide in relation to the team and not the players. I’m very happy with his performance, but it’s up to me. They must accept it,” Flick concluded on this.
