According to reports, Kounde is an exceptional defender. His physical strength and stamina make him a phenomenal athlete, and he is a versatile player. Although his primary position is center-back, he has adapted well to full-back duties and has even stood out with his goal contributions and penetrations into the opponent’s penalty area.

However, he has one major flaw—a weakness, if you will: he is sometimes late. This is almost an unforgivable sin in the eyes of Hansi Flick. Although the coach has always forgiven Kounde in the end, the French defender has already lost his starting spot three times due to arriving late on matchdays (against Alaves, Espanyol, and Rayo Vallecano).

He has always come on in the second half and regained his starting position in the next game, but this remains a stain on his record and has caused significant problems for Barcelona, especially given Flick’s strict approach.

Now, the French star has taken a decision to prevent further delays: He has asked some members of the club’s security team, who accompany the players on trips and training camps, to alert him 15 minutes before the start of each pre-match tactical meeting with Flick.

Kounde initially tried to manage this problem himself but ultimately concluded that it would be better for someone else to notify him when it’s time to leave the hotel room and join his teammates for the coach’s meeting.

This tactic has worked so far and should continue, especially with crucial matches coming up in La Liga and the Champions League. It remains unclear how Flick will react if, for example, Kounde is late for the pre-match tactical meeting against Inter Milan. But given the history so far, it’s better not to test his luck. That’s why Kounde has chosen to rely on others’ help.