‘He lacks self-confidence’: Flick is once again clear on Balde

Following two defeats against top-flight sides, doubts are emerging as to whether FC Barcelona can hold their own against strong opponents with their current tactics. Hansi Flick, however, has made it clear that he will not be making any changes. Balde, however, is unlikely to feature under him for the time being.

Jules Koundé, Xavi Espart, Eric, Andreas Christensen – the list of defensive absentees at FC Barcelona ahead of Saturday’s home match against Deportivo Alavés (9.00 pm) is long. So long, in fact, that even Balde – who is hardly in demand these days – was brought on as a substitute in the last two matches against PSG (2–4) and in the Clásico against Real Madrid (1–2). Due to Espart’s early injury in the Clásico, he was even on the pitch for an hour.

But Balde failed to make the most of his opportunities, and you simply cannot afford to squander that many at a top club like Barcelona. There had already been speculation about a move for the left-back before the season began. All the more so after Hansi Flick did not name him in the squad for the opening match against Elche (5–0). “I spoke to Alejandro this morning and told him: ‘I get the feeling you’re not 100 per cent there.’ So it’s better to stay at home and have a think,” said Flick, explaining the decision.

A move seemed the most sensible solution, but Balde stayed – and languished on the bench. He was only brought on as a substitute during the 7–2 victory over Racing Santander in mid-September. In early October, Flick once again had to explain himself. “I know it’s not easy for him, but he’s training well,” said the 61-year-old, adding that, particularly at left-back, he simply has several players of “an incredibly high standard”.

Flick suggests Balde lacks self-confidence

Balde hasn’t really been able to demonstrate that he possesses it in his last two appearances. In the Clásico, he also didn’t cut a fine figure with his long pass to Eduardo Camavinga, who set up the winning goal. And so Flick was, once again, unusually forthright when he spoke about him. “As for Balde, he may currently lack the necessary self-confidence for his game and our style of play. He needs that self-confidence.”

And so even a relative unknown apparently has a better chance of featuring against Alavés than Balde. Brian Farinas has been in the squad a few times, but has not yet made an appearance. “Farinas would be an option for the full-back position. He’s a very intelligent player and has been training with us since the start of the season, doing an excellent job. He deserves to play now,” said Flick, who also spoke favourably of the 16-year-old midfield talent Ebrima Tunkara. “He played a few minutes for Barca Atletic. He completed pre-season with us and I was very impressed by what I saw.”

Incidentally, despite the recent setbacks, Flick has no intention of changing the team’s style of play, neither against Alavés nor afterwards. “We’ve won eleven matches and now suffered two defeats,” said Flick. “But our style of play is the best one for this team. We’ll carry on like this right to the end.”