Barcelona secured a convincing 4-1 win over Sevilla, keeping them in the hunt for the La Liga title and closing the gap on Real Madrid to just two points. However, not all the news was positive for Hansi Flick’s side.
Despite the Catalan side’s impressive performance, according to Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, the German coach has come to a worrying conclusion regarding one of his players: Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan center-back failed to perform to the required standard in the match against Sevilla, leading to a goal for the opposing team after a serious error in the offside trap, allowing the opposing striker to score without a challenge. Additionally, Araujo was injured a few minutes after this mistake, forcing Flick to make an early substitution.
Flick had initially opted to field Araujo alongside Inigo Martinez as central defenders, but Araujo’s mistake in the match forced the coach to make a change. Minutes after the error, Araujo left the field due to injury and was replaced by young defender Pau Coparsi. With Coparsi’s introduction, the team’s defensive performance improved significantly, with the duo of Coparsi and Iñigo Martínez showing greater solidity. Barcelona did not concede any more goals, and the pair excelled in their ability to move the ball out and organize the defensive line efficiently, making them the best option in Flick’s current squad.
Araujo is not currently experiencing his best form at Barcelona. Despite having great physical and leadership qualities, his inability to adapt to Flick’s style of play could cost him his place in the starting lineup. The competition in central defense has become fiercer, with players like Coparsi, Eric Garcia, and Iñigo Martínez showing better levels of performance and greater compatibility with the German coach’s tactics.
Moreover, the Catalan club does not rule out the possibility of selling Araujo next summer. Despite his recent contract renewal, Barcelona may consider selling him if a tempting offer arrives, especially given the club’s financial needs.
If Araujo fails to improve his level and adapt to Flick’s requirements, his future at Barcelona could be uncertain. Clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United have shown interest in signing him, and the Catalan club would not mind selling him if a suitable offer came through.
Meanwhile, Flick seems to have settled on his starting defensive lineup, with Coparsi and Iñigo Martínez performing strongly and appearing to be the ideal options to lead Barcelona’s defense going forward. Araujo will need to work hard if he wants to regain his place in the starting lineup.