Barcelona thrilled with star’s response to repeated disciplinary issue as club plan new contract offer after Hansi Flick punished player three times for turning up late

Jules Kounde appears to have finally put his past disciplinary struggles behind him, and Barcelona are now eager to secure his future at the club with a new contract.

Barcelona are preparing to offer Kounde a fresh deal after being impressed with his renewed professionalism. The club has taken note of the defender’s progress, particularly after head coach Hansi Flick had to discipline him multiple times for tardiness. The Frenchman’s contract currently runs until June 2027, but Barcelona believe his recent form and improved attitude merit an extension with revised terms.

Reports from SPORT (h/t Football Espana) suggest that Barcelona’s top brass are extremely pleased with Kounde’s transformation. Flick’s decision to bench him on three separate occasions as punishment for arriving late to team meetings seems to have made a lasting impact on the player’s behavior.

Before Kounde’s turnaround, his struggles with punctuality were a source of frustration for the coaching staff. He was notably dropped from the starting XI in February before a crucial La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano, with youngster Hector Fort taking his place at right-back. That wasn’t an isolated incident—Kounde had previously faced similar disciplinary measures in pre-season and in October, particularly in the game against Alaves, where he was benched after arriving two minutes late.

In November, the issue resurfaced once more when Kounde was again omitted from the starting lineup against Espanyol. Flick remained unwavering in his strict stance on punctuality, reportedly telling Kounde, “When I say 13:30 hours, it’s neither 13:29 nor 13:31.” That no-nonsense approach has been crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the squad.

However, Kounde has since acknowledged his past mistakes and assured the club that he has worked on improving his discipline. The defender has taken proactive steps to ensure he is always on time for meetings and training sessions. He has even requested that club officials remind him of scheduled team activities to prevent any lapses in time management.

Despite his previous struggles, Kounde has made it clear that his lateness was never intended as a sign of disrespect toward Flick or his teammates. Rather, he admitted that poor time management had been a personal weakness. Barcelona’s coaching staff have noted his efforts to change, and their faith in him has grown significantly in recent weeks.

Kounde’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he has now become one of the first names on Flick’s team sheet. His performances in both La Liga and the Champions League have been instrumental in Barcelona’s recent success. Given his resurgence, the club is eager to reward him with a new deal that not only secures his long-term future at Camp Nou but also recognizes his growing importance in the squad.

Barcelona’s confidence in Kounde extends beyond the domestic stage. The Catalan giants recently triumphed over Benfica in the Champions League, sealing a 4-1 aggregate victory to reach the quarter-finals. Their next opponent in the competition will be Borussia Dortmund, a tie that promises to test Kounde’s defensive abilities on the big stage.

In La Liga, Barcelona are neck and neck with arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table. Although both teams are level on points, the Blaugrana have a game in hand, giving them an edge in the title race. Their next challenge comes in the form of a high-stakes clash against Atletico Madrid, a match that could have major implications for their championship aspirations.

Kounde’s journey from disciplinary concerns to a key player under Flick is a testament to the effectiveness of the German coach’s tough but fair management style. Flick has set clear standards for his players, and Kounde’s response has shown that discipline and accountability can lead to growth and improvement.

With negotiations for a contract renewal already underway, Barcelona hope to finalize an agreement soon. The club believes that securing Kounde’s long-term future will not only reinforce their defense but also send a message about their commitment to developing and retaining top talent.

If Kounde continues on his current trajectory, he could very well become a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defense for years to come. His journey serves as an example to other players about the importance of professionalism, responsibility, and the ability to learn from one’s mistakes.

For now, Barcelona fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Kounde is fully committed to the club’s ambitions. His resurgence has come at the perfect time, as Barcelona push for domestic and European glory.

With his newfound discipline and a potential contract extension on the horizon, Jules Kounde’s story at Barcelona is far from over—it may just be entering its most promising chapter yet.