Flick’s surprise tactical call leaves Barcelona team-mates stunned

New footage from Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico de Madrid has revealed Alejandro Balde’s reaction to Hans Flick’s decision to use Frenkie de Jong as a right-back in the second half.

Barcelona secured all three points at the Metropolitano, but one of the most striking moments from the match took place away from the pitch. The exchange on the Catalan club’s bench emerged two days after the game.

Flick’s choice reportedly caught his players by surprise. The German coach turned to De Jong’s experience and tactical awareness to address Barcelona’s problems on the right side of the defence, despite the Netherlands international usually operating in midfield.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, DAZN cameras captured a conversation between Flick and De Jong before the substitution. The manager approached the midfielder and asked whether he was prepared to take up the right-back position.

De Jong accepted the assignment with a smile and did not appear to object to being moved into an unfamiliar role.

He then informed several of his team-mates about Flick’s instructions, telling Gavi and Wojciech Szczesny that he would be playing on the right side of the defence. The announcement reportedly prompted disbelief among those nearby.

Toncara was even required to explain what was happening to Alex Campos, while a number of other players listened closely in an attempt to understand the unexpected tactical decision.

Balde’s reaction

Alejandro Balde was among those who witnessed the exchange. The left-back appeared serious as De Jong described his new role, creating the impression that he was questioning why Flick had chosen not to use him instead.

The footage does not reveal what was actually going through Balde’s mind. However, his reaction has attracted additional attention because of his recent position in Flick’s plans.

Balde’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, with reports linking the player with a possible departure from Barcelona during the winter transfer window.

Flick’s decision underlined once again his willingness to make unconventional positional changes. Against Atletico de Madrid, he backed De Jong’s football intelligence and experience to perform the defensive role on the right.

The move proved effective from a footballing perspective as Barcelona left the Metropolitano with a 2-1 win and three points. It also produced one of the most widely discussed moments from the Barcelona bench, with Balde’s reaction adding to the interest surrounding the decision.