Barcelona's Return To The Top Of La Liga Colored By Player Indiscipliners

JAKARTA - Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed that Jules Kunde was not played in the match against Rayo Vallecano which ended with a score of 1-0 on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, early in the morning WIB, after arriving late for a pre-match meeting.

This is the second time this season the Kounde delay has cost him a place in the team. He was also reserved against Alaves in October 2024 for the same reason.

Kounde finally came on to replace Hector Fort in the 66th minute when Robert Lewandowski's penalty in the first half brought Barcelona back to the top of La Liga's standings.

Flick said he would talk to the French defender about his timeliness.

"Before the game, we probably had two or three meeting appointments for the players, meetings."

"It's very important, the players are there. It's not too difficult to do this. It's not just about me, it's about (respect) for the players, clubs, fans."

"I don't want to say much more because I want to talk to him. However, he was late."

"This is a clear rule. So, he shouldn't start. This is what happened today," Flick explained in a press conference after the match.

Flick has strict rules regarding timeliness. He also backed goalkeeper Inaki Pena for the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic Club in January 2025 as he came late for a pre-match meeting.

Without Kounde, who have started in 34 of Barcelona's 37 games in all competitions this season, the Catalan side have almost managed to beat unbeaten Rayo's team in nine league games.

Barcelona are now in 12 unbeaten games in all competitions and three points leading them back to the top of La Liga, continuing the volatile season of the season.

Flick's side were 10 points ahead in November 2024, seven points behind in early February 2025, and are now leading Real Madrid on goal difference and one point clear of Atletico Madrid in third place.

"It's not good to always (look at) the standings because there's still a long way to go. I'm happy for the fans, the club, they deserve this situation."

"We've always said that we're fighting until the end. It doesn't change anything. We have to fight until the end, game after game, here's how we want to finish the season."

"In the end we were happy with this win. On a day like today, we were very happy to get the three points. It was very difficult. It wasn't easy to win," Flick said as he returned to the top.

Meanwhile, Raphinha missed a series of chances. Luckily, Barcelona appeared more comfortable for, but Rayo also had a chance to take points.

The visitors appealed for the penalty when Abdul Mumin's shirt was pulled by Hector Fort, while a penalty for Barcelona came from the same situation when Pathe Ciss brought down Inigo Martinez in the penalty box.

Rayo also equalized and disallowed for offside.