Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said he never told left-back Alejandro Balde to leave the club during a conversation on Sunday [1].
The situation creates uncertainty regarding Balde's future role in the squad, particularly as the team tests alternative options at left-back during the early stages of the season.
Flick addressed the reports following a match against Elche on Aug. 23 [1]. The coach said he spoke with Balde that morning, but clarified that his advice was for the player to reflect on his personal and professional circumstances rather than to seek a transfer [1].
"I have not told Balde to leave. I spoke with him this morning, I told him to think," Flick said [1].
Balde was absent from the match squad for the game against Elche. In his absence, Xavi Espart started at left-back [1, 2]. Despite the change in the starting lineup, Barcelona secured a victory at Camp Nou [1, 2].
The omission of a primary defender from the squad often signals internal friction or tactical shifts. Flick's comments suggest that Balde is currently dealing with various mental or personal distractions that may be affecting his availability or performance [1, 2].
While the team's performance remained strong without Balde, the coach's insistence that the player needs to "think" indicates a period of evaluation for the defender. The club has not announced any official transfer requests or disciplinary actions against the player [1].
“"I have not told Balde to leave. I spoke with him this morning, I told him to think."”
The tension between Flick and Balde suggests a shift in the club's internal hierarchy. By starting Xavi Espart and publicly stating that Balde needs to reflect on his situation, Flick is signaling that tenure and previous status do not guarantee a starting position. This creates a competitive environment where professional focus is prioritized over individual talent, potentially opening the door for other defenders to secure permanent roles.
