‘I’ll be ready’ – Barcelona star’s first words to new boss Hansi Flick

The details of an exchange between newly-appointed Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and defender Alejandro Balde have today been revealed.

Flick, for his part, was officially unveiled as Barcelona’s new manager on Wednesday, after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract.

The German subsequently embarked on a tour of the club’s training facilities, during which he encountered two members of his new squad.

First up came Frenkie de Jong, currently recovering from an ankle injury suffered last month.

And next was another of Barca’s sidelined contingent, in the form of the aforementioned Alejandro Balde.

Defender Balde, for his part, has not taken to the pitch since all the way back in January.

As much comes owing to a hamstring injury suffered during a Copa del Rey meeting with Athletic Club, which saw the 20-year-old subsequently forced under the knife.

Now entering the final phase of his recovery process, though, Balde was eager to make clear his readiness to contribute to the exciting new project in Catalunya perfectly clear to Flick.

In footage unveiled by Barcelona themselves, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish international assured:

“I will be prepared for preseason,” to which his manager responded: “Perfect, see you then. I wish you all the best.”

Conor Laird | GSFN