He’s a fighter – Hansi Flick backs Jules Kounde to show his best form for Barcelona against Atlético Madrid

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has delivered a ringing endorsement of under-fire defender Jules Kounde on the eve of the club’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atlético Madrid, insisting the Frenchman’s combative mindset will propel him back to his peak when it matters most.

Kounde’s second campaign at Camp Nou has fallen short of the standards he set last term, prompting questions about his consistency and confidence. Yet Flick, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, rejected any notion that the 25-year-old has become a weak link, instead highlighting his resilience and professionalism.

“Jules is a fighter. He’s always focused,” Flick said. “We’re all human, and sometimes you don’t have your best day, but he’s always fighting. Even when things don’t start well. I appreciate what he’s doing. He has a top-notch mentality. He’ll show that tomorrow. It will be a tough match for everyone. I like what I see from Atlético, with a clear philosophy.”

The German coach conceded that Kounde’s recent displays have not reached the level that once made him one of La Liga’s most complete full-backs, but he attributed the dip to the relentless workload the player shouldered last season and the tactical demands now placed on Barcelona’s wide defenders.

Barcelona’s medical staff provided a late fitness bulletin from training that could influence Flick’s team selection, though the coach stopped short of naming any casualties. Meanwhile, uncertainty lingers over the long-term future of one of the squad’s in-form forwards, and a prominent defender has hailed an unnamed teammate as “one of the best strikers in the world,” underlining the confidence still bubbling inside the dressing room ahead of Thursday’s high-stakes encounter.

Flick’s unwavering faith in Kounde appears to set the stage for the French defender to line up against Atlético Madrid, where a commanding performance could reinvigorate both his personal season and Barcelona’s pursuit of silverware.