Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has been left underwhelmed by the performances put forth by a leading member of his defensive ranks across the season to date.
The player in question? Alejandro Balde.
Stopper Balde has of course continued to act as a key member of Barcelona’s first-choice XI thus far this term.
Despite competition from Gerard Martín and more recently João Cancelo, when it matters most, Hansi Flick has continued to depend on his young full-back.
And yet, despite the faith placed in his talents, Balde has for the most part struggled to rediscover his best form.
The Spaniard has come in for consistent criticism on the part of the Barcelona faithful, for his efforts in and out of possession alike.
And if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, it would appear that such woes have recently begun to weigh on Barca’s headmaster, too.
As per a report from Fichajes:
‘The German coach believes that Alejandro Balde’s current performance does not meet the demands of the most challenging matches this season. Defensive lapses and a lack of attacking depth shown in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético de Madrid have precipitated this decision.’
So alarming has the situation become, that Flick is said to have demanded the signing of a new left-back to compete with Balde for next season.
Conor Laird – GSFN
