Hansi Flick confirms he is ‘counting on’ under-fire Barcelona star for next season | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that he is fully counting on a member of the club’s backline to have come in for heavy criticism of late.

The player in question? Ronald Araújo.

Uruguayan international Araújo, for his part, is in the midst of something of a difficult campaign in Catalunya’s capital to date.

After missing the opening half of the term through injury, the 26-year-old returned to add competition at the heart of Barcelona’s backline following the turn of the year.

His ensuing performances, however, often left quite a bit to be desired.

Araújo was singled out for particularly heavy criticism on the back of the Blaugrana’s exit from the Champions League, blamed for two decisive goals netted by Inter Milan.

Such condemnation has given rise to inevitable rumours that Araújo could be sent on his way this summer, if the right offer arrives.

As alluded to above, though, if the latest comments on the part of boss Hansi Flick are anything to go by, then no such transfer is on the cards.

Speaking during his final pre-match press conference on Saturday, the German assured:

“I’m counting on Ronald Araújo for next season. He has a contract, so why not? I’m happy with him. He had a difficult season because of injuries and the good form of Cubarsí and Íñigo. But I fully trust Ronald.”

Conor Laird – GSFN