RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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UDINE, ITALY - AUGUST 08: Head Coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona looks on during the during the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup match between Nottingham Forest and Barcelona at Bluenergy Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has revealed why he decided to leave Alejandro Balde out of his squad for Sunday’s La Liga opener against Elche .
Balde was a surprise omission from the squad list for the match but has been linked with a Barcelona exit in the last few days.
Flick was quizzed on his squad selection ahead of kick-off on Sunday night and says he didn’t think Balde was 100% focused.
“We have to manage the minutes, I hope to have six players who can play 90 minutes,” he told the media.
“I spoke with Balde this morning and told him that I think he’s not here at 100%, clear your mind and then we’ll talk.”
Balde has been linked with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Benfica recently, with the rumor mill talking up an exit before the transfer window closes.
Yet Flick’s latest comments suggest that there is still a chance Balde could stay at Barcelona and that the two will talk again after the match.
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