Hansi Flick explains decision to leave Barcelona star out of squad to face Elche | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has opened up on the reasoning behind his call to leave Blaugrana star Alejandro Balde out of his first matchday squad of the campaign.

Barca are of course currently locked in action on the domestic front. Kicking the defence of their La Liga title into gear, the Catalans have made the trip to the Estadio Martínez Valero, for a meeting with Elche.

Hansi Flick called upon a strong squad of players for the fixture, featuring new additions Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon and João Cancelo.

As alluded to above, however, not even afforded a place on the bench for the evening was Alejandro Balde.

Full-back Balde has seen his name feature centre stage in the media headlines surrounding Barcelona over recent days, amid mounting speculation surrounding a potential Camp Nou departure for the Spaniard.

Speaking to the media ahead of kick-off in his side’s season opener, Hansi Flick was therefore drawn on Balde’s omission for the night. And the German tactician went on to explain:

“I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you’re not here 109%, so it’s best that you stay at home and clear your mind. We will talk again tomorrow.”

Conor Laird – GSFN