Barcelona heavyweight not satisfied with current role, wants to play more – report | OneFootball

Ronald Araujo’s last start for FC Barcelona came against Sevilla before the international break – a match in which the team collapsed defensively and lost 4-1. The Uruguayan was substituted at half-time by Hansi Flick, who brought on Eric Garcia in his place.

Since then, the Barça captain began the next three matches on the bench: against Girona, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid. In all these games, Flick opted for the central defensive pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia.

Now, according to SPORT, Araujo accepts his role and helps the team wherever Flick asks him to, but hopes his playing time will increase in the coming matches.

Araujo’s current situation

Against Girona, Araujo came on with eight minutes remaining, not as a defender, but as a striker, as Barcelona pushed for a winner. He delivered, scoring with a powerful finish and securing three points for the team.

The 26-year-old then played around 15 minutes against Olympiacos in the Champions League and another 15 in the Clasico, featuring once again as a forward during stoppage time.

He did not manage to find the equaliser, but almost won a penalty after a challenge from Dani Carvajal that referee Soto Grado chose not to award.

Araujo wants more

Araujo wants to play more. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

It was Flick who asked Araujo if he was comfortable playing as a forward in the Girona match. The Uruguayan said yes.

“He has told the coach and the club that he is available to help in any way necessary, whether playing as a centre-back, striker or goalkeeper,” sources close to the player said.

Araujo accepts the role he has played in the last three matches, but, as per the report, he is not satisfied. He wants more, as his performances whenever he has come on have been solid.

“He feels strong enough to play more and get more minutes. His feeling, while always respecting Flick’s decisions, is that he can contribute much more to the team,” those close to him added.

The Uruguayan has been leading by example, acting like a captain on and off the pitch. He accepts his role, supports his teammates, and plays wherever Flick needs him.

At 26 years old, and with significant experience in the first team, Araujo has become a key reference point for the younger players.

Having renewed his contract with Barcelona until 2021, Araujo is fully committed to the club and turned down offers in the summer. He now hopes to get more opportunities in the coming matches and aims to build momentum heading into the World Cup.