Flick gives measured response on Balde future

Barcelona remain active at the end of the summer transfer window and the future of Alejandro Balde is in question as the left-back is linked with a move to Manchester United. Balde is reportedly happy at Barça but had a meeting with his agent this week, with the door still open to an exit if he feels his role will be diminished following the permanent return of João Cancelo.

Asked about Balde in a press conference on Saturday, Flick offered a cautious assessment.

"It’s a difficult question because he’s a player of immense quality, and it’s important to know if he’s confident he can compete in his position. That’s what I want to see from all my players. Every day I observe what they do, their level, whether they demonstrate that they’re at the level to play. Ultimately, we have to play as a team; only then will we achieve success. I need everyone to be one hundred percent."

Competition message

Flick stopped short of a public endorsement to keep Balde, instead signalling his preference for maximum competition at left-back.

The manager’s comments suggest he wants to know if Balde wants to stay and fight for his spot or simply wait for chances. With Cancelo back on a permanent deal, Flick made clear that players content with being backups are better off moving on.