Kounde stays after training to regain Flick's trust

According to Diario Sport, Barcelona defender Kounde has been doing extra training sessions after first-team practice recently, striving to regain the trust of head coach Hansi Flick.

Kounde's situation has been one of the most talked-about topics this season. Sport previously reported multiple times that since June, the Frenchman was no longer Hansi Flick's priority, and the club's sporting management was willing to evaluate his departure if a suitable offer came in. Kounde was no longer considered untouchable.

His early-season performances confirmed the shift in his standing. Last season, the defender's form declined, and in recent matches, other players have gradually gained more opportunities on the right flank. Kounde himself is well aware that he is not currently performing at his best and must now regain the head coach's confidence.

However, one thing that is difficult to fault Kounde for is his physical commitment. Kounde has always placed great importance on maintaining peak condition, regularly undergoing additional personal training outside the club's scheduled sessions.

According to Sport, Kounde has recently been staying behind for extra training after first-team sessions. While his teammates head to the changing rooms, the Frenchman continues to work with the club's fitness coaches and physiotherapists.

His objective is clear: to regain his best form and re-establish himself in a position where his influence has diminished. Kounde is acutely aware of his situation, and his response is to work harder.

Beyond his gym work, Kounde also extends his training time at Barcelona's training complex, hoping to quickly recover the form that once made him one of the world's best full-backs.

This extra training is not a recent development born from declining form. He has maintained this rigorous approach even during what was arguably the peak of his career, when several European giants, including Manchester City, were interested in him.

The Frenchman has consistently hired personal fitness coaches outside of Barcelona's training program. Previously, he was also spotted multiple times training at the athletics track in Sitges around 12:30 to 13:00 CET before heading to Barcelona's training complex for sessions with his teammates.

This training routine perfectly reflects Kounde's philosophy of football. He trained diligently when he was an undisputed starter, and he continues to do so now that his playing opportunities have decreased.

From a performance perspective, Kounde still needs to improve, as his current level remains below the heights he reached in his Barcelona shirt, particularly during Flick's first season in charge. Back then, he and Yamal were excellent on the right flank.

However, in terms of training attitude and commitment, there is little to fault Kounde for. He knows he has lost his edge, and he knows that no one will simply hand back a starting position. So when his teammates finish training, he stays for extra sessions.

Kounde must win back his starting place on the pitch, and he has already begun competing for it when others have left the training ground.

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