FC Barcelona once again dropped points in the UEFA Champions League after drawing 3-3 against Club Brugge, where the defense was exposed once more, raising doubts.
Hansi Flick was very upset about the errors in defense, especially with Jules Koundé, who was heavily criticized for a night that could have cost even more. The team dominates possession but still struggles to control matches.
FC Barcelona: vulnerability in defense and warning signs
FC Barcelona started with the intention of imposing their rhythm, but defensive mistakes reappeared too early. Koundé, playing as a right-back, broke the offside line for Brugge's first goal, an error that unsettled the team and frustrated Flick.
His attempt to rectify the mistake with a shot hitting the crossbar wasn't enough to balance out an inconsistent performance. The German coach ended visibly displeased with his players' lack of concentration and warned that "you can't win defending like this." The issue wasn't individual, but the focus was on the Frenchman.
Jules Koundé, under pressure at FC Barcelona
Jules Koundé's situation is becoming increasingly worrying. The French defender, who established himself as one of the most reliable full-backs in European football last season, is experiencing a noticeable decline. His reading errors, lack of synchronization with the center-backs, and slowness in tracking back have raised concerns among the coaching staff. In the draw against Brugge, his performance fell well below the expected level for a player of his stature.

Hansi Flick, aware that the defensive problem is structural, has called for self-criticism and more intensity but knows that the Frenchman's situation may require drastic measures if not improved soon. The clear message in the dressing room was that focus must be total in every action.
Crisis at right-back and solutions on the horizon
FC Barcelona not only faces a crisis of results but also an evident lack of stability in their defensive line. Koundé has had a mix of good and bad games, but his inconsistency worries the coaching staff. The club, already analyzing the transfer market, plans to strengthen the right-back position in January. Daniel Muñoz from Crystal Palace is one of the names favored by the board and Flick to provide competition and reliability.
Koundé, on the other hand, might be shifted back to his natural center-back position if a reinforcement arrives to relieve him of duties on the flank. The board sees it as urgent to balance a defense that has conceded too many goals in crucial matches lately.
FC Barcelona continues to struggle in an aspect that was once their strong suit just a season ago. Defensive disorganization, errors in tracking back, and a lack of authority in the box have turned every match into a risk. Jules Koundé symbolizes the fragility of a team unable to maintain composure.
Hansi Flick insists that the group has the quality to react, but time is pressing, and the club needs an immediate response. If the Blaugrana want to compete for the Champions League, they must rectify their defensive errors. What was once an impenetrable defense is now the biggest cause for concern at the Camp Nou.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El principal señalado por Flick después del ridículo del Barcelona ante el Brujas