Hansi Flick Sets Clear Expectations for Barcelona Players

Hansi Flick has wasted no time laying down clear lines at Barcelona – and Alejandro Balde has felt it on day one.

As Barça began the defence of their La Liga crown away to Elche at the Estadio Martínez Valero, the new head coach named a powerful first matchday squad. Fresh signings Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon and João Cancelo all made the cut, underlining the sense of a new era taking shape.

Balde did not. Not even on the bench.

The left-back’s absence was impossible to ignore, especially with his name already dominating headlines in recent days amid growing talk of a possible Camp Nou exit. With speculation swirling, Flick was always going to face questions.

He didn’t dodge them.

Speaking before kick-off, the German explained that the decision was rooted in the player’s condition and mindset rather than tactics or punishment:

"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."

One sentence, in particular, cut through: “You’re not here 109%.” Flick is demanding more than full commitment, and he is prepared to leave out a high-profile talent to prove it.

For Balde, left at home while a revamped Barça steps onto the pitch without him, tomorrow’s conversation suddenly looks like a pivotal one.