‘We have to protect Ronald Araujo’ – Barcelona manager Hansi Flick on post-Inter criticism | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has defended Ronald Araujo, following heavy criticism in the aftermath of their Champions League elimination at the hands of Inter last week. The Uruguayan came on with 15 minutes to go, but was beaten for both Inter’s equaliser in stoppage time, and their winner in extra time.

Ahead of their potential title-winning clash with Espanyol, Flick was asked about his central defensive options, with Inigo Martinez suspended, and Pau Cubarsi suffering a scare in training.

“Eric and Andreas can play as centre-backs, so we have three options. Christensen is training very well and helps us a lot when he plays. I don’t like what happened with Araujo; I will always protect my players. We all mistakes in that match. I like to defend my players, and we all make mistakes, you, me, everyone. These things happen. It’s also about respect again. We’ve talked about this, and he’s doing good.”

“Everyone in this job, it has happened to them. But we have to protect him,” Flick explained.

Pablo Torre and Pau Cubarsi ready to go

“He’s fine and ready to play,” Flick said of Robert Lewandowski, after the Polish striker did not feature against Real Madrid. Despite going down with a knee issue, followed by a blow in a challenge with Lewandowski, Flick confirmed Cubarsi could play.

Image via EFE

“He’ll be able to play tomorrow without any problems. He had a knock in training, but it’s nothing. He didn’t finish training because it was better for him not to.”

Midfielder Pablo Torre has also been absent for the last 10 days, but rejoined training, and is set to be in the mix to feature against Los Pericos.

Murmurs over Ronald Araujo

In January it was reported that Araujo had asked to leave the club, with Juventus submitting a bid for the Uruguayan. However he ended up signing a renewal until 2031 and declaring that he was keen to remain at Barcelona. With no sign of him regaining his starting spot though, it has been suggested that Barcelona could cash in on him this summer. He has a €65m release clause in the opening period of the transfer market, and after the Inter game, it was noted that Barcelona were concerned about Araujo’s form this season. He is also one of the players Barcelona will listen to offers for.