Coubarcí Hits Out at the Team’s Star: A New Crisis Threatens Barcelona’s Stability This Season!

Barcelona finds itself in yet another internal storm as tensions rise over the disappointing performances of young full-back Alejandro Balde. Once hailed as one of the brightest talents to emerge from La Masia, Balde’s recent decline in form has sparked frustration within the dressing room and raised serious concerns among the coaching staff. German coach Hansi Flick, known for his no-nonsense approach, is reportedly growing impatient with the young defender’s inconsistency and defensive lapses.

Last season, Balde was a symbol of energy, pace, and promise on Barcelona’s left flank. His overlapping runs and attacking contributions made him one of the key figures in the team’s tactical setup. However, the current season tells a different story. His performances have deteriorated to the point where his place in the starting lineup is now more out of necessity than genuine merit. Injuries to other defenders and a lack of experienced alternatives have forced Flick’s hand, keeping Balde on the field even as his form falters.

According to reports from within the club, Hansi Flick has expressed deep concern about Balde’s performances, labeling them as “weak and error-prone.” The coach has privately admitted that if a dependable replacement existed, Balde would have already been dropped to the bench. Flick’s frustrations have grown with each match, particularly after costly mistakes that have led to goals against Barcelona in recent fixtures.

The situation has not gone unnoticed among Balde’s teammates. Pau Cubarsí, one of the club’s rising defensive stars, is said to be growing increasingly frustrated by the extra workload caused by Balde’s defensive shortcomings. With Cubarsí constantly covering for Balde’s positional lapses, the team’s defensive balance has suffered. Sources close to the dressing room reveal that several senior players believe Balde desperately needs a break to regain his composure and confidence.

What makes the matter more troubling is that Balde’s issues seem to go beyond just technical form. Observers have noted that the player appears mentally and physically fatigued. His once explosive runs down the left flank have lost their sharpness, and his decision-making under pressure has become hesitant. These signs of burnout have fueled speculation that the young defender might be struggling to cope with the demands of top-level football under intense scrutiny.

Hansi Flick has reportedly held private conversations with Balde in an effort to restore his confidence and focus. The coach emphasized the importance of rediscovering the hunger and discipline that defined his early days at Barcelona. Yet, despite these talks, improvement has been minimal. The pressure to perform, combined with criticism from fans and media, has only intensified the challenge facing the young Spaniard.

Inside the club, the situation is being monitored closely. Barcelona’s sporting directors are aware that the left-back position is becoming a growing concern for Flick’s tactical setup. With no reliable backup available, the technical team is considering bringing in a short-term solution during the winter transfer window. However, the club’s ongoing financial struggles could limit their options, leaving Flick with few alternatives.

Despite the criticism, some players in the squad have shown solidarity with Balde. Midfielders Pedri and Fermín López are among those who have publicly expressed their support, encouraging the young full-back to keep working hard and reminding him of the potential that earned him a place in the first team. However, support alone may not be enough to calm the rising tension, especially with key matches like El Clásico approaching.

The situation highlights a broader problem within Barcelona’s current setup — the lack of depth in key defensive positions. While the club has invested heavily in attacking talent, the defence remains fragile and over-reliant on a handful of young players still finding their footing. Balde’s struggles have exposed the urgent need for experience and stability at the back.

For now, Balde remains in the starting lineup, not because of his recent performances, but because Flick has no better alternative. This reality serves as a worrying sign for a club that prides itself on its depth and quality. Unless the young defender can quickly rediscover his confidence and consistency, Barcelona risks entering the most crucial phase of the season with a glaring weakness on the left side of its defence.

As the tension builds ahead of the upcoming fixtures, one question looms large among fans and analysts alike: can Hansi Flick reignite Balde’s potential before the cracks within the squad deepen into a full-blown crisis? Only time will tell whether the young star can overcome his slump and reestablish himself as one of Barcelona’s brightest hopes — or if his struggles will mark the beginning of a deeper instability threatening the team’s ambitions this season.