Flick says he will help Balde recover confidence and stays calm amid defensive injuries

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledges that Alejandro Balde is struggling this season and says he will work to restore the left-back's confidence. According to Trivela, Flick told a press conference before the Alavés match that the 23-year-old lacks "the confidence he needs to play."

Flick is also facing an injury crisis in defense ahead of the Aston Villa match. Estadio Deportivo reports that he has four defensive absences and no recovered players, and the German coach says "let me stay calm" when discussing the situation, according to A Bola.