Hansi Flick lays down challenge to Barcelona star after recent snub – report

Hansi Flick lays down challenge to Barcelona star after recent snub – report Barcelona star Alejandro Balde has had an interesting week at the Catalan club, with his future coming under the microscope. The Spaniard was dropped from the matchday squad for the Blaugrana’s opening La Liga game against Elche, with Flick confirming that his head was not in the right place. Subsequently, Manchester United were said to be interested in the 22-year-old Spaniard but were not willing to make an offer that Barça found suitable. Eventually, it emerged this week that Balde had decided to stay at Barcelona and fight for his place under Hansi Flick. Now, according to Cadena SER (h/t FCB World ), Flick has informed Balde that he currently sees him as a substitute and that the 22-year-old must earn his place back through his performances and work in training. Flick sends clear message to Balde Rather than closing the door on the academy graduate, however, Flick appears to have challenged him to respond. Balde has been told that he needs to prove himself to the coaching staff and show more if he wants to regain a prominent role. There has already been a positive reaction. Alejandro Balde has decided to stay and fight for his place at Barcelona. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) Balde produced an outstanding performance in Monday’s training session, seemingly responding exactly as Flick would have wanted. That reaction seems to have seen him earn his way back into the matchday squad list for the game against Athletic Club. Balde determined to fight for his place Balde’s preference has been to remain at Barcelona unless an offer arrives that genuinely convinces him to leave. The defender believes he can change Flick’s mind, and his response in training suggests that he is prepared to fight rather than immediately search for an exit. Competition at left-back has increased considerably. Barcelona have Joao Cancelo as an option, while Xavi Espart has also impressed in that position. Meanwhile, the talented Jordi Pesquer is coming through La Masia and looks to be a huge talent for the left-back position. Barcelona have signed Joao Cancelo for the left-back position. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Therefore, reputation and seniority alone will not guarantee Balde his old place in the team. An unprecedented situation Ever since Balde broke into the first team at Barcelona, he has been the first-choice left-back at the club with almost no meaningful competition. Initially, he showed a lot of promise and put in a lot of hard work to displace the incumbent in that position, Jordi Alba. However, Balde’s development has stalled in recent seasons and this slap on the wrist might be exactly what he needs to take his game to the next level. In terms of talent, there are very few left-backs in the world who have a higher ceiling than the 22-year-old. It does look like Flick has chosen to ruffle some feathers with him, and it remains to be seen how Balde goes about winning back his starting berth at Barça.