Koundé´s moment is a matter of Witches

The French defender still fails to show the version that dazzled last season. That player who established himself at right back, with an imposing physique and the author of the last-minute goal that gave the team the Copa del Rey, seems to be a thing of the past. Something is not going well. His poor performance was repeated in Belgian lands, where he once again signed a match full of doubts and mistakes.

A rocky start

The match started off poorly for Koundé. It was he who broke the defensive line by playing the offside trap and, with that, allowed Tresoldi to score low past a Szczesny who was also unfortunate, just eight minutes into the game. The Frenchman´s bad moment reflects a defense that has not found its footing since the departure of Iñigo Martínez in the last summer transfer market. A decision that seems increasingly misguided, as the Basque player provided the necessary balance to a Hansi Flick system that, without him, is wobbling. When all the gears fit, the approach is brilliant; but when key pieces are missing, the risk multiplies.

A hint of injury and a yellow card

To make matters worse, Koundé was also unlucky in attack. In the final stretch of the first half, he hit a powerful shot against the crossbar, a goal that would have meant a minimal redemption. However, the local goalkeeper Nordin Jackers stretched his gloves and deflected the ball with a saving hand. Physically, he also did not look good. Before halftime, he fell to the ground showing signs of discomfort, although after a few seconds he got back up and started the second half. A few minutes later, he committed a foul on Tzolis that earned him a yellow card and further conditioned his performance.

A constant attempt without reward

Despite everything, his effort must be acknowledged. The Parisian kept trying to join the attack insistently. In one of those actions, his cross found no finisher, and the cameras captured a visibly frustrated Koundé, raising his arms and shaking his head. Koundé is not going through his best moment, and he is likely the first to notice it. His level from last year was so high that no one could anticipate this drop. His last three matches have left a worrying feeling, both in the coaching staff and among the fans.