Carles Alena baffled by Barcelona benching

Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images

Bu the midfielder has vowed to earn his place back

Carles Alena has been talking about his lack of game time at Barcelona this season and seems baffled by his benching but is keen to turn his situation around.

The midfielder started the season opener against Athletic Bilbao but was taken off at half-time of the defeat and has not featured for the club since.

Alena has been on Spain Under-21 international duty but has been talking about his situation at this club and how it has affected him.

“There is no explanation for me being dropped after the game in Bilbao. No player wants to not be named to the squad. It is a decision that the coach takes and clearly affects the player.

“I see options to fight for a place in the eleven. I think all of us who are in the team must be important. I trust 100% that I can turn this situation around. I want to succeed at Barça.

“I’m glad that Rakitic has stayed. The competition will make us better. That’s why we work. The start to the Liga seasons are not easy. We have not gained the points we wanted. It is increasingly difficult to win in opposing stadiums. But it is only the beginning.”

Source | RAC1

Alena looks to have work to do to convince Ernesto Valverde of his worth, as he has not been included in the squad for Barcelona’s last two games. Rumors also emerged on Tuesday that he was close to a loan move to Real Betis over the summer.

Source: barcablaugranes.com