Flick admits Balde’s situation is unhappy: five full-backs and zero minutes

Everything is apparently under control at Barcelona. Hansi Flick is pleased with Alejandro Balde, the player is training well and strong competition is supposed to benefit the team. One detail refuses to fit neatly into that reassuring picture: the left-back has not played a single minute this season.

Flick addressed Balde’s position during his press conference ahead of the match against Racing Santander. The German coach admitted that the situation is difficult for the 22-year-old, whose place in the hierarchy has been affected by the unexpected rise of Xavi Espart.

EVERYONE IS HAPPY, BUT THE MINUTES ARE MISSING

“The situation is not a happy one. That is normal because he is not playing and has no minutes. He was a key player over the last two years,” Flick admitted.

The coach was quick to rule out any suggestion of a personal problem. He said he remains happy with Balde and the rest of the squad, adding that the defender is showing his best level in training.

The message is calm. The selection decisions are rather less comforting. Espart has become Flick’s first option on the left, with João Cancelo providing another alternative. Balde was left out of the squad for the opening LaLiga match against Elche for sporting reasons and watched the following games from the bench.

ESPART HAS CHANGED THE ORDER

Espart has been the surprise of the opening weeks. Flick admitted that nobody expected the young player to perform at this level before the season began. His ability to operate on either side of the defence gives the coach even more flexibility.

“We have five full-backs, two on the right and two on the left, while Xavi Espart can play on both sides,” Flick explained.

That depth may be useful for Barcelona, but it has left Balde in an uncomfortable position. His future became a subject of discussion during the final weeks of the summer transfer window. The defender decided to stay and fight for his place. So far, that fight has taken place almost entirely on the training ground.

Flick stressed that the season is long and circumstances can change. Players must remain ready for rotation, injuries and new opportunities. It is a reasonable explanation, even if it does not make the current reality any softer.

Barcelona can therefore insist that there is no major problem. Balde remains at the club, Flick is satisfied and competition is supposedly helping everyone. The only thing missing is the part footballers usually stay for: playing football.