Barcelona starlet tells Hansi Flick he will be ready for pre-season in first meeting
Earlier today, Barcelona confirmed the appointment of German tactician Hansi Flick and the new first-team manager ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The new coach signed a contract for two years and will be at the club until 2026 as it stands. His work on the field will not start anytime soon with the international break underway, but Flick did make it a point to visit the club facilities during the day.
As revealed earlier today, the new manager met with injured star Frenkie de Jong and had a chat with the captain. After all, he is said to consider the Dutchman an essential part of his project.
Conversation with Balde
As revealed in a recent update (h/t FCB World), the German tactician also ran into star left-back Alejandro Balde during his visit to the club facilities earlier today.
“I’ll be ready for the pre-season,” Balde told his new manager, providing an update on his fitness and recovery.
To the player’s status update, Flick professionally wished him the best of luck, looking forward to the pre-season.
“Perfect, I’ll see you then. Wish you all the best.”
Balde last featured for Barcelona in January in the Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Club. He missed the remainder of the campaign through an injury to the tendon of his hamstring muscle and even underwent surgery for the same.
A pivotal player
Balde has been one of the most discussed names in Catalonia since news of Hansi Flick’s potential appointment made the rounds. After all, the German coach is best credited for developing Alphonso Davies into the monster he is today.
Looking ahead to next season, it is safe to say that the new manager will look to capitalise and improve Balde’s output in attack to the maximum.
As it stands, the La Masia graduate will not feature in the Euros for Spain given his injury and will return only for pre-season as he admitted to the coach.
It remains to see how Balde benefits from Flick’s appointment.
