The start of the 2025/26 season has made Hansi Flick's philosophy at Barça clear. The German coach has conveyed that no one is untouchable within his locker room and that only performance will make the difference. This stance is a reality check for several established figures who expected a leading role.
Jules Koundé is one of the main targets at the start of the season. The French defender has barely accumulated 18 minutes in two matches, a record that doesn't match the status with which he arrived at the club. Hansi Flick's decision has sparked surprise, but it also confirms his willingness to establish meritocracy.
Dani Olmo gets more minutes, but also starts from the bench
The case of Dani Olmo is somewhat different, although it follows the same pattern of decisions. The attacking midfielder has participated in both matches, playing 45 minutes against Mallorca and another 45 against Levante. In total, he has 90 minutes, but none of them from the opening whistle.
Hansi Flick has made it clear that he won't be guided by recent signings or media expectations. Both Olmo and Koundé start from an equal position with the rest. What defines their role on the field will be what they show in each training session and in the minutes they're given.
Flick's bets: Eric García and Fermín López in the starting eleven
Meanwhile, Koundé waits for an opportunity, the coach has chosen to give prominence to Eric García in the defensive line. His inclusion as a starter in the first two matchdays reinforces the idea that Hansi Flick rewards tactical discipline and reliability. Instead of protecting a big name like Koundé, Hansi Flick has preferred to trust whoever best fits his immediate plan.
This approach has also been reflected in the midfield. Fermín López, with a remarkable performance in preseason, has earned a place in the starting line-ups. The same goes for Raphinha, who has replied with a more vertical and effective play style.
A challenge for Jules Koundé in an increasingly demanding Barça
The French center-back faces a complex scenario within Barça. The coach's trust isn't guaranteed and his undisputed starting role from last season no longer exists. Now he must seize every opportunity, no matter how small, to prove that he can be indispensable in the rotation.
This new context poses a mental and sporting challenge for Koundé. With just 13 minutes against Mallorca and five against Levante, his presence has been merely testimonial. Hansi Flick demands maximum concentration, and any lapse could cost him more weeks on the bench.