Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed Jules Koundé was dropped for Monday’s 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano after arriving late for a pre-match meeting.
It’s the second time this season Koundé’s tardiness has cost him his place in the side. He was also benched against Alavés in October for the same reason.
Kounde eventually came on for Hector Fort in the 66th minute as Robert Lewandowski‘s first half penalty sent Barça back to the top of LaLiga, with Flick saying he will speak with the France defender about his punctuality.
“Before the match, we have maybe two or three appointments for the players, meetings,” Flick explained in the post-game news conference.
“And this is very important the players are there. It’s not very difficult to do this. It’s not only about me, it’s about [respect] for the players, the club, the fans.
“I don’t want to say more because I want to speak with him. But…
