Barcelona delivered an emphatic 4-1 victory over Sevilla, strengthening their bid for the La Liga title and closing the gap on Real Madrid to just two points. However, not everything was positive for Hansi Flick’s team.
Despite the team’s dominant performance, Spanish newspaper El Nacional reported that Flick has raised concerns about one of his key players: Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan defender struggled during the match, making a costly mistake in the offside trap that directly led to Sevilla’s goal.
This defensive lapse allowed an opposing striker to score unchallenged. To make matters worse, Araujo suffered an injury shortly after the error, forcing Flick to make an early substitution.
Flick had initially chosen Araujo and Iñigo MartĂnez as his central defensive pairing. However, following Araujo’s mistake and subsequent injury, he was replaced by young defender Pau Coparsi. Barcelona’s defensive stability improved noticeably after this change, as the combination of Coparsi and MartĂnez provided better structure at the back.
Their ability to distribute the ball effectively and maintain defensive discipline made them the standout defensive duo for the night. Barcelona did not concede any more goals after Araujo’s departure, reinforcing the belief that Flick may now favor this defensive partnership.
Araujo’s form has been underwhelming in recent matches, raising doubts about his future in the starting lineup. While he possesses impressive physical strength and leadership qualities, his struggles to adapt to Flick’s tactical approach could jeopardize his position. With growing competition in the defensive lineup, players like Coparsi, Eric GarcĂa, and Iñigo MartĂnez have demonstrated greater consistency and compatibility with Flick’s system.
Additionally, Barcelona has not ruled out the possibility of selling Araujo in the upcoming transfer window. Despite recently extending his contract, the club’s financial situation may prompt them to consider offers if a lucrative bid arrives.
Interest from top European clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United further fuels speculation about a potential departure.
For Araujo, the challenge is now clear: he must improve his performances and adapt to Flick’s tactical demands if he hopes to retain his place in the squad. With Coparsi and MartĂnez currently impressing in central defense, Flick appears to have found his preferred pairing. Unless Araujo can prove his worth and regain form, his long-term future at Barcelona remains uncertain.
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