Barcelona set sights on extending the contract of Joules Kounde

Barcelona's star full-back Jules Kounde has reportedly improved on his previous disciplinary issues, leading the club to consider extending his contract.

A report from SPORT reveals that the club is pleased with the progress Kounde has made following a period where head coach Hansi Flick opted to bench him three times due to tardiness at team meetings.

Barcelona eyes to extend Kounde's contract 

As a result of his improved performance and commitment, Barcelona is keen to negotiate a new deal with Kounde, whose current contract runs until June 2027.

Kounde has faced problems with punctuality regarding pre-match meetings and has received significant punishment from coach Flick. In February, before Barcelona's La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, Kounde was benched for being late and was replaced by Hector Fort. Kounde had also been benched during pre-season and in October on similar grounds.

In November, Kounde was left out of the starting XI for the match against Espanyol, with Flick highlighting his focus on punctuality and discipline.

Kounde has openly recognized his issues with discipline and punctuality. In a recent report, the right-back said to the coaching staff that he fully understands the consequences of being dropped. He assured them that he stands for the rules established by the head coach, emphasizing that compliance is expected from everyone.

The French international has disclosed that his lateness is not a way to be disrespectful towards Flick or the Barcelona first team. Instead, it stems from his poor time management. He keeps track of the pre-match routines and team meetings with the help of the club's officials.

Kounde has become one of the mainstays in Barçelona's first team. He is the most trusted full-back in the team and has made immense contributions to the team's success this season. Barcelona are set to face Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.