Lead
Alejandro Balde is yet to play a minute for Barcelona this season, according to Barca Blaugranes. Hansi Flick addressed the left-backâÂÂs absence when asked about him at a Tuesday press conference, describing a situation shaped by competition for places and Xavi EspartâÂÂs unexpected emergence.
Flick acknowledged that BaldeâÂÂs current position is not ideal given his lack of minutes. At the same time, the Barcelona coach indicated that he remains pleased with Balde and the rest of his squad, framing the issue as one of managing competition across the team rather than a loss of trust in the defender.
Background & Prior Coverage
Barca Blaugranes reported that Balde had been linked with a move away from Barcelona during the summer. Instead, the full-back has begun the season without an appearance as the competition on the flanks has intensified.
The report says Espart has made the left-back position his own ahead of both Balde and João Cancelo, who had been viewed as the presumed starter. FlickâÂÂs comments offered a clear explanation for why Balde has not yet been involved: Barcelona have several options available at full-back, and the makeup of the squad has changed the picture from the previous two seasons, when Balde was a key player.
Flick explains the numbers
Flick said Barcelona currently have five full-backs, with two on the right and three on the left. He noted that Cancelo can play on either side, adding further flexibility to the group.
The coach also highlighted EspartâÂÂs rise, saying nobody had expected him to perform at this level before the season. Flick said Espart must continue to give his best and that he has been doing so.
In discussing BaldeâÂÂs situation, Flick said it was normal for the player to find it difficult after not playing or receiving minutes. He pointed to BaldeâÂÂs role over the previous two years and said that circumstances can change once a season begins, with young players coming into the side and the manager required to handle those developments.
Not a question of trust, Flick insists
Flick said every player must perform at the highest level and stressed that he is happy with Balde as well as the rest of the squad. He described the situation as difficult but said the players are doing well.
According to Flick, players are competing for their positions throughout the squad, with two or three options capable of playing in each role. He said that depth is positive for him, the club and the team, while managing that competition is the hardest part.
Where does this leave Balde?
For the moment, Barca Blaugranes places Balde at the bottom of the left-back depth chart. The report adds that injuries or other circumstances could create an opportunity during the season, but that Balde would need to take any chance he receives and show why he should return to regular minutes.
FlickâÂÂs comments do not signal a stated timetable for that opportunity. They do, however, underline the competition Balde faces in a deep Barcelona squad and the challenge of reclaiming a role that had previously been central to the side.
