Balde, who had suffered a hamstring injury in early September, returned to action yesterday when his team took on Sevilla. He did not get a start, but was influential in a second-half cameo, where he earned a penalty. However, the spot-kick was not converted by Polish forward Robert Lewandowski, when the score was 2-1, and Sevilla went on to win the game 4-1.
After the game, Balde spoke about the mistakes his team committed during the game. With former player Gerard Lopez already criticising Flick’s defensive flaws, Balde sounded critical of their attacking prowess.
He said: “We did a lot of things wrong. In the second half, we could have scored goals, but we have a lot to learn. It was a complicated match — the schedule, the weather… but those aren’t excuses. We played a bad game and have a lot to improve… These are phases of the season; there are things to adjust. We had the penalty and other clear chances, but that will serve us for the future.”
Sevilla gained an early lead in the first half, after Sanchez converted from the spot. Balde, who had been sidelined for 29 days and missed six games, saw the developments from the touchline and expressed that it did not seem to be a penalty.
He claimed: “I think it wasn’t a penalty for me, and it was also a foul on Jules, but we have to improve.”
Barca have been suffering with the left-back position since April. The 21-year-old Spaniard missed eight games between April 12 and May 10 this year due to a hamstring injury, and later on, in September, he sustained a similar setback, compelling him to miss another six fixtures. Barca will resume action against Girona on October 18, and Balde will expect to start that game.
