Barcelona defender launches furious rant at La Liga over Osasuna rescheduling – ‘We are not machines’ | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde voiced his frustration over the demanding fixture schedule following Barcelona’s match against Osasuna.

The Frenchman had minimal time to rest before taking the field again, which prompted him to call for greater consideration towards players’ wellbeing when planning the calendar.

His comments centered around the ongoing concern among top-level footballers about the impact of a relentless match schedule on their health and performance.

Tired of asking

Kounde expressed that the intensity and frequency of matches have become unreasonable, a topic that has been discussed numerous times by players across various clubs.

Jules Kounde was extremely unhappy. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

While acknowledging that footballers are fortunate to make a living from their passion, he stressed that the sheer number of games being played is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

“It’s not normal. We’ve talked about it many times, about the calendar, about playing too many games. I know that sometimes, there are people who have a hard time understanding it.

“It’s true that we’re very lucky to do what we do. I consider myself lucky to make a living from our passion, to live well,” he began saying.

Not machines

What particularly irritated Kounde was the decision to schedule the Osasuna match so soon after international duty.

According to him, this lack of consideration for recovery time reflects poorly on how authorities handle player welfare.

“I also think it’s a lack of respect for the club to put this game on this date.”

He pointed out that it’s not only Barcelona who suffer from these scheduling issues; other clubs, including Osasuna and even Real Madrid, face similar challenges.

For Kounde, the issue extends beyond club allegiance—it’s about protecting players across the board from burnout and potential injuries.

“It doesn’t matter which club it is; Osasuna also had international players. Barcelona, ​​Osasuna, or even Madrid when it happens to them.

“I think that beyond the lack of respect for the clubs, it’s a lack of respect for the players because you have to understand that we are not machines.”

More to it

Kounde’s frustration was evident as he made it clear that “to produce the game we produce and to also give football fans what they want, we need a break.”

The French defender also called upon La Liga and other governing bodies to reconsider their approach to scheduling matches.

He stressed that it is essential for these organisations to listen to the concerns of players, as they are the ones who take to the field week in and week out.

“I think all institutions, not just the League, have to understand that. They have to understand that they can’t just set dates wherever they want.

“We haven’t said anything because, like the manager said, we don’t want to make excuses.

“But there also comes a time when we have to listen to our voice, because I think we’re the main players and they can’t do whatever they want,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo