Hansi Flick’s comments about Alejandro Balde on Saturday came as a big surprise.Balde, 22, had played the first half of Barcelona’s final pre-season friendly against Egyptian side Al Ahly three days earlier, delivering an assist for teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim in a 2-1 home win at Camp Nou.But in his press conference to preview Sunday’s La Liga season opener away to Elche, Flick said he didn’t know whether Balde would be in the 23-man matchday squad for that trip — comments that served as a warning.“It is a difficult decision, and Balde is a player with huge qualities, but what I said before is important: do you have the conviction to compete for your position?” Flick said.“I see what players do here every day, how they behave and if they show what it takes to be at the top level. That’s the most important thing. I need everyone to be 100 per cent committed to us.”On the morning of the game, Flick told Balde he had decided to leave him out of the team and squad. Instead, teenager Xavi Espart started at left-back, while Joao Cancelo, who rejoined Barcelona in a permanent move from Al Hilal last week after two prior loan spells at the club, came off the bench in the second half.“I spoke to him because I felt there was something wrong,” Flick said after the 5-0 win. “I had the feeling that it was best for him to clear his mind, sort out his thoughts and talk again. He agreed to this because there are so many things in his head right now.”Balde playing in a pre-season friendly against Basel of Switzerland this month (Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)Barca have been open to offers for academy graduate Balde this summer. Back in June, it was believed his development had stalled after five seasons in the first-team squad, and loanee Cancelo had established himself above him in the pecking order in the second half of last season.In this week’s Transfer DealSheet, The Athletic reported that Manchester United were considering a move for him, with their interest likely to be limited to a loan as they would be cautious over any further spending in the current window.However, a loan has not been Barcelona’s plan. With just over a week to go before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline, they would likely only sanction a permanent sale and for a significant fee. Balde would also need to be on board with this idea, which is not the case.