“Nothing has happened,” but Balde is yet to play a minute as Deco tells him to fight

Barcelona have played five competitive matches in the 2026/27 season, yet Alejandro Balde has not spent a single minute on the pitch. Sporting director Deco insists that “nothing has happened” and says the defender must fight for his place. Everything is apparently normal, apart from the rather visible detail that a former first-choice left-back has disappeared from Hansi Flick’s rotation.

FIVE MATCHES, NO MINUTES

Barcelona opened their campaign with La Liga fixtures against Athletic Club, Elche, Rayo Vallecano and Valencia before facing Feyenoord in the Champions League. Balde did not feature in any of those games.

The 22-year-old was left out of the squad against Elche. He subsequently returned to the bench but still received no playing time. After a summer filled with reports about a possible departure, Balde remained at the club and did not publicly ask to leave. Staying, however, has not preserved his position in the team.

Xavi Espart has taken advantage of his opportunities and moved up Flick’s pecking order. Balde is therefore no longer simply competing for a regular starting role. His immediate task is to earn his first appearance of the season.

DECO PLAYS DOWN THE SITUATION

Speaking to RAC1, Deco said that Balde remains Barcelona’s player, has a bright future and must compete for his position. He also argued that the defender had performed at an outstanding level before injuries interrupted his progress.

The sporting director added that team selection belongs to the coach. It was a fair clarification, although it also placed the entire sporting question on Flick’s desk. Barcelona are not publicly pushing Balde towards the exit, but they are not promising him minutes either.

There has been no official announcement that the club intend to sell the defender, nor has Flick said that Balde must leave. The confirmed picture is simpler: five competitive games have passed, Balde has played none of them, and an academy graduate currently stands ahead of him.

THE RESPONSE MUST COME ON THE PITCH

The hierarchy is not permanent. Barcelona have a demanding schedule across several competitions, and Flick will need more than one option at left-back. A fit and confident Balde still offers pace and attacking qualities that once made him an important member of the team.

For now, though, the responsibility has been handed back to the player. Deco says there is no problem; Balde must provide the sporting evidence that changes Flick’s decisions. Until then, Barcelona’s reassuring message will continue to collide with the only number that matters here: zero minutes.