Flick: Balde stays put and Barca weigh No. 9 hunt after Elche rout

After Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Elche, Hansi Flick said he isn’t asking Alejandro Balde to leave and that Balde was left out to clear his mind after concerns around him. Flick will speak with Balde tomorrow, and he also indicated Barca will discuss the No. 9 striker situation with Deco in the coming week, with Julian Alvarez among the transfer rumors, though the victory left questions about whether a new forward is truly needed.