Flick denies asking Alejandro Balde to leave Barcelona as striker decision looms

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has denied asking Alejandro Balde to leave the club and said he will discuss the defender’s situation again after a 5-0 victory over Elche in La Liga.

The result gave Barcelona their first three points of their title defence, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez both scoring twice before Karim Adeyemi completed the rout.

Flick said he had spoken to Balde on the morning of the match and wanted the player to consider his position, but insisted the decision had not been dictated by him.

“I did not ask Alejandro Balde to leave. I spoke to him this morning and asked him to think about it. We will speak again tomorrow,” said Flick.

The manager also provided an update on Gavi, who suffered a knee injury during the game. Flick said the midfielder would need further assessment but suggested his condition was not as serious as initially feared.

“The injury is in the knee. We have to be patient and wait for the results of the tests. His condition is slightly better than expected after he suffered the injury. After the match, he was feeling much better, and we will see what happens,” he said.

Flick was also asked whether Barcelona could sign another striker before the end of the week. He confirmed that he was discussing the matter with sporting director Deco, but said the club would wait before making a decision.

“We will talk about the striker after this match. I speak with Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, and we are very happy with the victory, but we will see what happens during the week,” Flick said.

The German praised the standards being set in training, highlighting the importance of maintaining a collective approach both in and out of possession.

“I see a lot of quality in training, and that is what we want every day. Training is where we can improve, and it is important that we defend and attack together,” he said.

Barcelona’s five goals came from three different players. Raphinha scored twice, while Fermin Lopez also found the net on two occasions, with Adeyemi adding the other goal.

The victory marked Barcelona’s first points of the campaign as they began their attempt to retain the Spanish league title.

Raphinha also maintained a perfect record from the penalty spot for the club, having converted all nine penalties he has taken for Barcelona in all competitions.

Anthony Gordon created two goals within six minutes during his first matches with Barcelona.