‘It’s what we expect’… Hansi Flick remains steadfast on the future of 25-year-old Barcelona star | OneFootball

Just days after thrashing Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona already have their next game to prepare for. The Copa del Rey is up next, with a home encounter against Real Betis on the horizon.

The German coach will want the team to step up and continue the form that they showed against Real Madrid. There is no time to rest on their laurels and a poor result tomorrow would dissipate the happiness surrounding El Clasico victory.

One situation that Hansi Flick will have to handle is the future of Ronald Araujo, who is heavily linked with a transfer to Juventus. However, Inigo Martinez’s injury from the Super Cup final is set to keep him out for 8-9 games and this could throw a spanner in the works.

Ahead of the game against Real Betis, Hansi Flick was quizzed about the future of Araujo and the coach remained steadfast that he counts on the player and that the Uruguayan was one of the captains of the team. As quoted by SPORT, he said:

“As I always say when I speak with players, I never document it. He’s a Barça player, and nothing has changed. We’re not happy about Íñigo’s injury—he’s a great player and a leader—but we’re relieved it’s only four weeks. Based on what we saw against Real Madrid, Ronald is back; he’s doing well, and it’s what we expect from him. He’s one of the best center-backs and also a leader.”

In the final against Real Madrid, Araujo had to step in early in the first half following the issue suffered by Inigo Martinez. It must be said that the Uruguayan showed no signs of rust, putting in a performance for the ages.

From a club’s perspective, retaining Araujo is a no-brainer. The Uruguayan is the most physical center-back in the Barcelona squad and the quality that he adds to the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez is quite incredible.

Against Real Betis tomorrow, one would expect Araujo to start as he looks to continue and build on his performance against Real Madrid. It remains to be seen if the Uruguayan center-back’s mind can be changed in the coming weeks.

Irrespective of what happens with Araujo this transfer window, he will be important to Hansi Flick for as long as he is at the club. Let’s wait and see how the situation plays out in the coming days and if the Barcelona captain changes his mind to stay and help the club at a time of need.