Hansi Flick has insisted that he has not told Alejandro Balde to leave Barcelona, despite the defender being left out of the squad for Sunday's La Liga opener against Elche.
Flick explained that he spoke directly with Balde on the morning of the match and asked the left-back to take some time to think before they hold another conversation.
“I have NOT told Alejandro Balde to leave.”
“I spoke with him this morning, I told him to think about it and that we'll talk again tomorrow.”
Balde's omission had immediately raised questions about his future at Barcelona, particularly with reports linking him with a possible move away from the club before the transfer window closes.
Flick Says Balde Was Not Fully Focused
Flick provided more detail about the conversation when explaining why Balde was not involved against Elche.
The Barcelona manager said he felt the defender was not completely focused on the situation and believed staying away from the match was the best option for him.
“I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you're not here 100%, so it's best that you stay at home and clear your mind.”
Flick added that they would speak again the following day.
The decision came after Balde was left out of Barcelona's squad for the club's opening La Liga fixture, with reports suggesting uncertainty over his future.
No Instruction to Leave Barcelona
Despite the growing speculation, Flick's comments make an important distinction... he has not asked Balde to leave Barcelona.
Instead, the manager appears to be giving the player time to consider his situation before they discuss the matter again.
That leaves Balde's immediate future unresolved.
Barcelona have already started the season strongly, beating Elche 5–0, but the Balde situation has emerged as one of the main talking points surrounding the squad.
With the transfer window still open, the coming days could be decisive.
For now, Flick's position is clear... Balde has not been told to leave, and the two will sit down again to discuss his situation.