Jules Kounde is one of the most respected players in the Barcelona dressing room and among supporters.

Now in his fourth season at the club, his consistency on the pitch and his character have earned him widespread admiration among his teammates and fans.

Kounde makes a big impression

Now, Carlos Monfort of SPORT has brought forward a behind-the-scenes story about how Kounde continues to make an impression on those at Barcelona.

Highly motivated, the French international surprised both teammates and club staff two weeks ago with his actions.

After a training session had ended, while most players headed to the dressing room – some visiting the physio, others staying for lunch, and the younger ones playing table tennis – Kounde chose instead to remain on the pitch.

On his own initiative, without any instruction from coach Hansi Flick, he began running to recover in his own way. Effectively, he trained after training, an approach typical of his refusal to settle for less.

Not something new

Dedicated. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

This was not an isolated incident. Residents of Sitges have reported seeing him exercising at seven in the morning before travelling to the Ciutat Esportiva.

The Frenchman does not limit himself to the daily 90-minute sessions but carries out extra work beforehand to arrive better prepared.

He is committed to what could be described as “pre-training before training”, a routine that has become part of his professional preparation.

Flick himself acknowledged this in a press conference: “The problem with Koundé is that if one day we do 30 minutes less of training, he goes running off to Sitges.”

While his technical ability is unquestionable, the French defender is also aware that modern football demands ever greater physical condition, which he continues to work on improving with utmost dedication.

The emergence of Eric Garcia has not altered Kounde’s importance in Flick’s plans. Although the Spaniard is performing excellently this season, the former Sevilla star remains a key pillar of the side.