Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick discusses Alejandro Balde future amid exit reports

By Matt Law | 02 Nov 2026 19:07, Last updated: 02 Nov 2026 19:08

Barcelona caput manager Hansi Flick has suggested that Alejandro Balde inactive has a aboriginal astatine Camp Nou contempt his struggles during the 2026-27 campaign.

Flick said up of Barcelona's clash with Alaves connected Saturday that Balde presently does not person "the assurance helium needs to play".

“Balde doesn’t person the assurance helium needs to play, the condemnation to onslaught and property high. The full-backs are precise important for us, successful our benignant of play. He needs assurance to scope his champion level," Flick told reporters.

Injuries for Xavi Espart, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia had seemingly opened the doorway for Balde to commencement against Alaves.

However, Joao Cancelo started astatine left-back, with Brian Farinas astatine right-back, portion Frenkie de Jong featured successful the mediate of the defence.

Balde has struggled astatine Barcelona this season

Balde was alternatively utilized disconnected the bench, playing the last 28 minutes of the league fixture.

The Spain planetary has lone played 116 minutes of enactment for Barcelona this season, and determination is presently a big of speculation surrounding his future.

Manchester United are successful the marketplace for a left-back and could reignite their involvement successful the 23-year-old erstwhile the wintertime model opens for business.

Balde could perchance commencement Barcelona's Champions League fixture against Aston Villa connected Tuesday, but it is much apt that helium volition again diagnostic connected the bench.

Man United proceed to beryllium linked with January determination for Balde

Flick has suggested that Balde is inactive successful his plans moving forward, with the German determined to "help" the defender "regain his confidence".

“What’s happening to him is normal; erstwhile you don’t play often, you deficiency confidence. I spot him grooming well, but we person to determine what’s champion for the team, and Joao Cancelo is successful large form,” Flick told reporters during his property conference.

“When I accidental helium lacks confidence, I cognize it tin impact him, and I spoke to him aft the past property conference. I respect him a lot; he’s young, but he’s a large idiosyncratic and a precise hard worker. I’ll assistance him regain his confidence.”

Balde has made 172 appearances for Barcelona successful each competitions since breaking into their archetypal team, scoring 3 goals and registering 21 assists.