Xavi explains Ronald Araújo dropping to bench for Barcelona vs Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Xavi has this evening provided an insight into the reasoning behind his decision to leave defensive stalwart Ronald Araújo out of his latest starting XI.

Barca, of course, are currently locked in action.

In the final fixture of the La Liga gameweek, the Blaugrana have welcomed Imanol’s Real Sociedad to Catalunya’s capital.

The matchup marks an important one for Xavi and co, in the knowledge that a victory would see them leapfrog Girona into 2nd in the table, and move a step closer to qualification for next season’s Spanish Super Cup.

In turn, it came as something of a surprise when, upon Barcelona’s line-up to face Sociedad being unveiled, star defender Araújo was nowhere to be seen:

Speaking to the media ahead of kick-off, boss Xavi, in turn, was drawn on the reasoning for the Uruguayan’s place on the bench.

And, in quotes gathered by Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish tactician went on to point towards his side’s busy upcoming schedule:

“We have a tight schedule, with three games in seven days and we need rotations, which are also good for group competition.”

“The team needs rest,” Xavi concluded.

Conor Laird | GSFN