Kounde slams rescheduled Barcelona match, calls it 'lack of respect'

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde voiced his frustration after being forced to play in a rescheduled La Liga match against Osasuna on Thursday, a game the clubs had initially requested to be postponed. The match, which had been originally delayed on 8 March following the death of a doctor at Barcelona, was played despite both teams' objections.

Kounde expressed his anger over the timing of the fixture, claiming that the decision showed a lack of respect towards both the clubs and the players.

"I'm angry about the date of the game, I don't think it's normal," Kounde told DAZN. "I know people sometimes struggle to understand, and we're lucky to do what we do, but I believe it's disrespectful to the club to play the game on this date. It doesn't matter which club it is, Osasuna too, who also have internationals, and they haven't had the necessary rest."

Kounde, who played 120 minutes for France on Sunday in the Nations League match against Croatia, was among those affected by the quick turnaround, as was Osasuna's Ante Budimir.

"It could be Barcelona, Osasuna, or Real Madrid," Kounde continued. "I think it's a lack of respect not only to the clubs but also to the players. They have to understand we are not machines. To perform at our best and give the fans what they want, we need rest. I think all institutions, including La Liga, need to recognise that."

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick also voiced his displeasure over the timing of the match and the subsequent injury to midfielder Dani Olmo. Olmo was injured during the 3-0 victory over Osasuna, which left Barcelona three points clear at the top of the table.

"It's not the right date to play this match," Flick told reporters. "I've said before that after the international break, it was not a good time. We've gained three points, but we paid a high price for Dani's injury. We don't know how long he will be out."