Barcelona secured an impressive 5-0 win over Valencia at Mestalla, booking their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. However, beyond the result, coach Hansi Flick sent some clear messages through his lineup and tactical decisions.
Barcelona will face one of the three finalists in the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, or Real Sociedad, with the draw scheduled for the 12th of this month.
According to the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, one of the most notable messages from Flick was the complete absence of Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan defender didn’t play a single minute in the match, despite its importance.
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The German coach opted for a defensive pairing of Pau Coparsi and Eric Garcia, two players who differ greatly from Araujo in terms of playing style. Coparsi has become a key figure for Flick, while Garcia has impressed the coach with his ball control and defensive positioning.
Araujo’s omission was not accidental. In the second half, after the result was already decided, Flick made adjustments to the defense, but instead of bringing on Araujo, he preferred to introduce Inigo Martinez, who had recently recovered from injury. This substitution, with three players ahead of Araujo in the pecking order, indicates that his role in the team has changed considerably.
For some time now, Araujo has gradually been losing his place in Flick’s starting lineup. Despite being regarded as one of the best defenders and still very popular with the fans, the coach prefers players who are more suited to his style of play. Coparsi has become a key player, Garcia excels in distributing the ball, and Martinez offers both experience and defensive solidity, making him a preferred choice for Flick.
This shift in Araujo’s status has fueled rumors about a potential summer exit. Araujo is one of the most valuable defenders at Barcelona, and Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich have shown interest in him. Barcelona’s recruitment director, Deco, is also monitoring potential offers, as the club will need to generate financial resources. Selling Araujo for €60-70 million could be an important move to help balance the club’s finances.
Flick’s decision to overlook Araujo is linked to the coach’s tactical preferences. Building attacks from the back is a key part of his philosophy, and Araujo is the least suitable player for this role. In contrast, Coparsi has shown impressive maturity at a young age, Garcia provides superior ball distribution, and Martinez offers defensive stability and experience, making them more fitting for Flick’s system.
Ultimately, it seems Flick has made a decisive call: Araujo has lost his place in the starting lineup, and at this point, there are three players ahead of him for a spot in the team.
