Koundé erupts against LaLiga's schedule: "It's a lack of respect"

FC Barcelona thrashed Osasuna (3-0) on Thursday despite the complex circumstances surrounding the rescheduled match of LaLiga's matchday 27. The culés could not count on Raphinha and rested Ronald Araujo for precaution after his late return from the international break. Additionally, Barcelona lost Dani Olmo to injury in the first half. After the match, Jules Koundé expressed his anger at the decision to play the match on a date "that was not normal".

"We have talked many times about the schedule, we play too many matches. I know there are people who do not understand it. I consider myself lucky to live from our passion, but it is a lack of respect and not just to the club", the French international began saying to the microphones of 'DAZN'. He also made it clear that his defense does not only apply to Barcelona but to all other teams affected by the schedule.

"I also speak of Osasuna, who had internationals, like Budimir, whom I faced and has not had the necessary rest. It doesn't matter the club. It is a lack of respect to the players, not just to the clubs. We are not machines and to produce our game and deliver a good match we need rest; all institutions must understand this," argued the azulgrana '23'.

Hansi Flick supported Koundé after the Barça-Osasuna match

Similarly, Hansi Flick again criticized the decision to reschedule the Barça-Osasuna match less than 28 hours after an international break. "I think we need to listen to the players and coaches. In summer, there is the FIFA Club World Cup, the Nations League... players go with the national teams... it is very tough," the azulgrana coach began to say.

In that sense, he added: "I don't think it's an optimal situation. This is my humble opinion. You can make a lot of money, but it is not good for the players. We must think about the players. Fans want to see spectacle, but if we continue like this we won't be able to maintain this level," pointed out the Barça coach.

The Catalan team has played 19 matches this 2025 in 86 days, which equates to one match every 4.5 days or, in other words, 90 minutes of football every 108 hours. In between, there was a double international matchday that, in the case of several elite European footballers (including Lamine Yamal, Frenkie de Jong, and Jules Koundé, all three starters on Thursday), included extra time in the Nations League.