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.
