Balde backs Dro's Barça exit as Ter Stegen's Girona move confirmed
Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde addresses teammate departures ahead of Slavia Prague clash, while reflecting on Champions League ambitions and recent form.
Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has called for respect regarding Dro’s decision to leave the club, while confirming Marc-André ter Stegen’s move to Girona ahead of their Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.
Ter Stegen’s farewell
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Prague, Balde revealed that goalkeeper Ter Stegen had addressed the squad this morning about his departure to Girona.
“He’s a massive reference point for us. I grew up watching him in the first team and then he became my captain,” Balde explained. “I wish him lots of luck, I’m sure this new chapter will go very well for him.”
Respecting Dro’s choice
Balde also commented on youngster Dro’s decision to leave Barcelona, urging fans and media to respect individual career choices:
“Every player has their own career and thinks differently. We have to respect that. If he’s opted for this decision, we need to accept it and wish him all the best. He’s a great lad. I hope everyone respects his decision.”
Champions League ambitions
Despite the freezing Prague temperatures – which Balde admitted he’s not fond of – the defender was bullish about Barcelona’s European prospects:
“I’m really up for it. It’s the competition every player dreams of winning. We need to aim for all the trophies. Our idea is to win it, but we have to go game by game.”
“We see ourselves with options, we’re doing great work. We’re Barça and we always have to win. We need to finish among the top eight.”
Recent form analysis
Balde highlighted the team’s improved confidence since their Chelsea match, despite the recent defeat at Anoeta:
“If we play like we did against Real Sociedad, we’ll surely win. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t want to go in – that happens. If we play like that, things will go very well for us.”
“Out of a thousand games like that one, we’d only lose once. We played one of our best matches of the season. If we continue like this, everything will go very well.”
On defensive concerns, Balde acknowledged: “We can always improve things. Maybe we’ve conceded more goals, but we’re also scoring more. It’s our style, we take more risks.”
Spain ambitions
The left-back also expressed his desire to return to the Spanish national team after two years away:
“All players want to represent their country, it’s any player’s dream. I’ve been without a call-up for two years. Every day I work to play and return. It depends on me but also doesn’t depend on me. I have to work as always and hopefully I can return.”