Barca 'seriously worried' about Kounde, suspect two reasons for dip in form

Barcelona are seriously worried about the performances of Jules Kounde, reports Toni Juanmarti of Sport.

The Frenchman has not been performing at the high standards he set for himself last season with Barca's defensive weakness exposed every other game.

Barca suspects that Kounde's poor form is an emotional problem stemming from the sale of his friends Ousmane Dembele and Franck Kessie. All three players were close friends in the dressing room last season.

Barcelona offloaded Dembele and Kessie last summer due to various reasons. For Dembele, he wanted to leave after PSG triggered his buyout clause. Kessie only left because Xavi deemed him surplus to requirements at the club.

Whatever the problem is, Kounde's form this season has left a lot to be desired. The Frenchman has featured in 26 games this season with Xavi alternating him between centre-back and right-back. He's hardly established himself in any of those positions.

Kounde has helped Barca keep nine clean sheets this season with the Blaugrana conceding just about a goal every game he plays. He's however registered three assists and scored two goals.

Kounde: 'The players are responsible for what's happening'