Barcelona star surprises Hansi Flick by joining pre-season training just days after EURO 2024 exit
Jules Kounde arrived at Barcelona training just days after Euro 2024 elimination with France. Kounde has not jetted off to his vacation yet and showed tremendous commitment by meeting new coach Hansi Flick and his teammates at Ciutat Esportiva.
France were knocked out of the Euro 2024 semi-finals after a 1-2 defeat to Spain. Dani Olmo's winner in that game deflected off Kounde to end at the back of France's net.
The defender, though, had a good tournament and was an ever-reliable presence in Didier Deschamps' side. He played all six full games during Les Bleus' Euro 2024 run.
Kounde also made 48 appearances for Barcelona during the 2023-24 season, meaning the Frenchman appeared 54 times for club and country this campaign. Despite the long season, Kounde's gesture to meet Flick and other members of the squad before vacation is exemplary.
Hansi Flick is set to start a new era at the Catalan club. He replaces Xavi after the legendary midfielder's sacking. Kounde is expected to be a core part of Barca's defense next season.
Barcelona defender Jules Kounde's Euro 2024 stats
As mentioned earlier, Barcelona defender Jules Kounde was a reliable presence for France during Euro 2024. He played 570 minutes (excluding injury times) during the competition.
Kounde made six tackles, completed 41 ball recoveries, and boasted an impressive 87.67 percentage passing accuracy during France's stay at Euro 2024. Kounde also hit a top speed of 34.1 km/hr.
He covered a total distance of 66.63 kms and ended the tournament without a single booking to his name. Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Ssaliba, and Theo Hernandez were the main defensive players for Les Bleus during Euro 2024.
The defender will now look to transform his form into next season with Barca. Along with Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, he is a key unit of Barca's defense. Kounde has often operated as a full-back for the Catalan club since his move from Sevilla.