New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reportedly stamped his authority at the club by dropping and fining a player following a heated disagreement.
Since arriving at Barcelona at the beginning of the season, Hansi Flick has generally projected a calm and collected demeanour on the touchline. He’s often seen displaying warmth towards his players after matches, offering hugs and encouragement as they leave the pitch.
However, behind the scenes, sources suggest a more rigorous and demanding side to the German coach is emerging. Reports indicate that Flick is a strict disciplinarian who expects unwavering commitment and punctuality from every member of his Barcelona squad.
According to Spanish sports news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Flick’s high standards have already led to several internal clashes. It appears that defender Jules Kounde recently felt the full force of Flick’s disciplinary approach prior to Barcelona’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano.
The report details that Kounde was late for a critical pre-match team talk. This meeting was held at the Torre Melina Gran Melia hotel, the team’s base before the game. Flick, upon realizing Kounde’s tardiness, reportedly waited at the entrance of the meeting room, while the rest of the Barcelona team were already seated and prepared inside.
Upon Kounde’s arrival, the Barcelona boss allegedly made his displeasure known emphatically. Sources say Flick slammed the door shut and directed a loud reprimand towards the French international for his lack of punctuality. As a consequence of this incident and to assert his authority within the team, Flick made the significant decision to drop Kounde from the starting lineup for the Rayo Vallecano fixture.
Furthermore, the report from Mundo Deportivo suggests that in addition to being dropped from the team, Jules Kounde was also likely issued a financial penalty by Hansi Flick for his breach of team discipline and lack of timeliness.
Flick’s Strict Disciplinary Record at Barcelona
This recent incident with Jules Kounde is not believed to be an isolated occurrence. It is mentioned that Kounde was also late on two separate occasions earlier in the season, in October and November. These prior instances of lateness also resulted in the 26-year-old defender being omitted from the Barcelona starting XI as punishment.
Following the second incident in November, Hansi Flick publicly addressed the importance of punctuality and team discipline, stating firmly: “When I say 13:30 hours, it is neither 13:29 hours nor 13:31 hours.”
He further emphasized the necessity of timeliness for team cohesion and respect: “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.”
Flick concluded his statement on team discipline with a clear message about his expectations. “Arriving late, even by a minute, is a lack of respect for your teammates,” leaving no ambiguity about his zero-tolerance policy for lateness.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Barcelona, Jules Kounde
Barcelona Boss Hansi Flick Drops the Hammer: Jules Kounde Faces Fine and Bench After Team Talk Incident
Published 12:48 26 Mar 2025 GMT
Barcelona Player Disciplined by Hansi Flick After Heated Exchange
Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s new head coach, is making headlines not just for his tactical prowess but also for his iron-fisted approach to discipline, reportedly dropping and fining defender Jules Kounde after a heated exchange.
Since taking the reins at Barcelona, Flick has cultivated an image of composure and coolness on the sidelines. Post-match, the German manager is often seen warmly embracing his players, a picture of affability. However, behind the scenes at the Catalan club’s training ground and in team meetings, a stricter side is emerging, characterized by high expectations and zero tolerance for lapses in discipline.
Reports are now surfacing that Flick is a firm disciplinarian, demanding unwavering commitment and, crucially, absolute punctuality from his entire Barcelona squad. This hardline stance recently came to the fore in a significant clash with French defender Jules Kounde before a crucial La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano.
According to a detailed report from Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Kounde incurred the wrath of Flick for a significant breach of team protocol: arriving late for a pivotal pre-match team talk.
Here’s a breakdown of the incident:
- Location: Torre Melina Gran Melia hotel, Barcelona – the team hotel prior to the Rayo Vallecano match.
- The Offence: Jules Kounde arrived late for a mandatory pre-match team meeting.
- Flick’s Reaction: The Barcelona coach reportedly waited at the entrance of the meeting room, delaying the session until Kounde arrived, while the rest of the squad were already seated inside.
- Verbal Reprimand: Upon Kounde’s arrival, Flick allegedly slammed the door and loudly reprimanded the player in front of his teammates for his tardiness and lack of respect.
- Disciplinary Action: To demonstrate his seriousness and establish authority, Flick immediately dropped Kounde from the starting eleven for the game against Rayo Vallecano.
- Financial Penalty: Adding to the severity, reports suggest Kounde was also issued a fine by the club for his disciplinary infraction.
Zero Tolerance for Lateness: Flick’s Message is Clear
This isn’t the first time Kounde’s punctuality has been an issue under Flick’s management. It’s understood that the defender was also late on two prior occasions, in October and November, and faced similar consequences – being dropped from the team. These repeated incidents highlight Flick’s unwavering commitment to discipline and punctuality within the Barcelona setup.
Following the second lateness issue in November, Flick publicly addressed the matter, making his expectations crystal clear. He stated unequivocally:
“When I say 13:30 hours, it is neither 13:29 hours nor 13:31 hours. 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. Arriving late, even by a minute, is a lack of respect for your teammates.”
Flick’s strong stance underscores a significant shift in Barcelona’s internal culture, emphasizing discipline and accountability under his leadership. As Barcelona aims for success on the pitch, Flick’s message is clear: adhering to team rules and showing respect for teammates through punctuality are non-negotiable aspects of being a Barcelona player.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Barcelona, Jules Kounde
What do you think about Flick’s strict approach? Is it necessary for success, or is it too harsh? Share your opinions in the comments below!