Barcelona coach Hansi Flick says Alejandro Balde must improve after the defender indicated his desire to stay at the club. Balde was left out of Barça's squad for Sunday's 5-0 win over Elche in La Liga after Flick suggested he was open to letting the left-back leave this summer. Manchester United are among the clubs to have sounded out a move for Balde, sources have told ESPN, but the player wants to fight for his place at Spotify Camp Nou.

"He's a part of the team, so if he plays or not we will decide tomorrow," Flick said of Balde's chances of returning to the squad for Thursday's visit from Athletic Club. "What I can say is I spoke with him. For me, the important thing is that he's 100% committed with us and 100% committed with the situation."

"He's only 22, he's very young for a player and has a lot of potential. I saw in his first season what a fantastic player he is. Now is time to improve more." Balde has made 168 appearances for Barça since his debut in 2021 but lost his place to João Cancelo last season. During preseason, he faced competition from Jordi Pesquer and Xavi Espart.

Flick's side host Athletic this week, with €60 million ($70m) signing Rodri in line to debut. "The plan is that he plays some minutes," Flick confirmed, adding, "Together with Pedri, he has that experience to control the game, the ball, the opponent."