According to AS, Balde has not played in any of the first five official matches of the season, and Flick continues to demand improvement from him.

Alejandro Balde made his decision this summer: stay at Barcelona and fight to reclaim his left-back position. Flick warned him early on, hoping he would show more both in competitive performance and commitment. Balde had options to leave, but he believes he can turn things around. However, the start of the new season has put the academy product in a very difficult position. Balde has yet to debut this season across the five official matches played so far. Bryan Fariñas has also not played, but their situations are completely different.

Flick has consistently maintained the message he conveyed both publicly and privately during preseason: Balde must improve. The German coach appears to have no intention of simply handing him the position based on seniority or Balde's performance in his first season under Flick, when the coach regularly praised his form. So far, Espart has seized his opportunity and moved ahead of Balde. The academy player has earned trust through his performances, character, work ethic, and fighting spirit.

Espart is not the only one ahead of Balde. Cancelo must also be mentioned; he started in Barcelona's Champions League debut against Feyenoord. Flick wants Cancelo to stay, so the Portuguese player is currently the primary backup at left-back.

Balde must significantly improve his form to get back into the rotation and convince Flick to give him a chance. The season is still long, and there is time for him to turn it around, but if he cannot change the trend, he may well reconsider his future in January. For now, no one asks about Balde in press conferences anymore, but Deco addressed his situation on RAC1.

Deco said: "He's a player in our squad, only 22 years old, with a very bright future. He has to compete with others. In his first season under Flick, he showed very well. Last year he was injured. But if that Balde returns, it will be very difficult for him not to play at Barcelona."

What remains to be seen is whether Balde has the patience to endure more matches without getting playing time.

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