Xavi could deploy 24-year-old Barcelona star in makeshift position after injury to Ronald Araujo: Reports 

Barcelona manager Xavi could reportedly once again look to deploy Jules Kounde as a right-back after Ronald Araujo's injury.

Araujo has suffered a hamstring injury and the Uruguayan is set to be out of action for a while, including their clash against Cadiz on August 20. Hence, Barca need a new right-back.

Kounde, who was brought in from Sevilla in the summer of 2022, was often used as a makeshift right-back last season. The 24-year-old made 21 appearances across competitions as a right-back.

According to SPORT, he could once again return to that position during the 2023-24 campaign. Manager Xavi is also reportedly considering Sergi Roberto as an option for the right-back slot.

Barcelona, the defending La Liga champions, started their campaign with a goalless draw against Getafe on August 13. Raphinha was sent off during that game, meaning he is unavailable against Cadiz. Xavi was also shown a red card and will not be on the touchline, having received a two-game ban.

Xavi's side will aim to pick up their first three points of the season in the next game.

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Barcelona manager Xavi spoke about the importance of man management

Xavi took charge of Barcelona in the middle of the 2021-22 season and has since done a remarkable job for the club that he represented as a player. The Spaniard has previously managed Qatari club Al-Sadd.

The legendary midfielder recently spoke about how managing a team is much more than being tactically sound. On the importance of man management and player psychology, he said (via Barca Universal):

“Management is almost more important than tactics. In the end we become half-psychologists, half-managers and having been a player gives you a lot of advantages.”

Xavi added:

“Having been an elite footballer makes me more empathetic towards the player who doesn’t play or to know what the player who needs affection is feeling…. having been a player gives you a sense of control of the dressing room.”

Barcelona won the La Liga title in 2022-23, in what was Xavi's first full season in charge of the Catalan club.