ELCHE, SPAIN - AUGUST 23: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on August 23, 2026 in Elche, Spain.
(Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) Getty ImagesHansi Flick spoke about Alejandro Balde and Barcelona’s search for a new No.
9 after seeing his team thrash Elche 5-0 on Sunday night.
”We’ll talk after this match about the number nine.
I speak with Deco, we’re very happy about the victory, but we’ll see during the week,” he added.
ELCHE, SPAIN - AUGUST 23: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on August 23, 2026 in Elche, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) Getty Images
Hansi Flick spoke about Alejandro Balde and Barcelona’s search for a new No. 9 after seeing his team thrash Elche 5-0 on Sunday night.
The Barcelona boss left Balde out of his squad for the match but insisted after the game that he hasn’t asked the left-back to find a new club.
“No, I’m not asking him to leave. This morning I felt there was something wrong. I spoke to him and said: ‘At this moment, I have this feeling, and I think it’s best for you to clear your mind, sort out your thoughts, and then we’ll talk again tomorrow.‘
“And he agreed as well. He agreed to it because there are so many things going around in his head, and that’s why he’s not here.”
Flick was also quizzed on Barcelona’s search for a new striker, amid continued talk of a move for Julian Alvarez, and said he will chat with Deco.
”We’ll talk after this match about the number nine. I speak with Deco, we’re very happy about the victory, but we’ll see during the week,” he added.
