‘With the style we play’ – Ronald Araujo names key defensive objective for Barcelona this season after Mallorca victory | OneFootball

The 3-0 victory over RCD Mallorca is a positive start to La Liga for Barcelona, and for the players individually as well. Many of them have worked hard to find a place for themselves in the team this season. Naturally, a win like this certainly boosts the team’s morale.

One player who seems to be stepping up now that Inigo Martinez is gone is Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan defender seems to be Hansi Flick’s pick to partner Pau Cubarsi in defense, and he delivered a solid performance.

Following the game, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona vice-captain spoke about the conditions of the game, but still expressed his satisfaction with the team:

Moreover, he further expressed joy with how the team handled the game, and he also seemed happy to have won three points:

“Happy because from the start we showed what we wanted. In the first half, they had two sendings-off and had to drop deeper, and we controlled the game very well. Glad to start with three points here, which is always a tough ground. Three points and keep going.”

However, just as other teammates and even Hansi Flick were asked, Araujo was also asked to give his opinion on the Ferran Torres goal:

“The referee didn’t blow the whistle, and until he does, you have to keep playing.”

As for his own preparations ahead of the official season, the Barça defender appears to be quite confident thanks to it:

“I had a good preseason physically, which was something I needed to regain confidence.”

Lastly, he highlighted the team’s desire and objective to be more solid defensively this season and to concede fewer goals. A clean sheet against Mallorca is just the start, but Araujo confirmed that the defensive aspect of things was something that has been discussed:

“Happy with the clean sheet. It’s something we always talk about with our teammates. We’ve spoken with Cuba and with Joan about conceding few goals this year. With the style we play, we’re always very exposed, but by correcting that, we can concede fewer goals. Personally, I’m really happy. I feel good. I had a good preseason physically, and I feel very good. It was something I needed to regain confidence.”

With this win, FC Barcelona kick things off in La Liga perfectly. However, there is still a very long way left to go, and a team’s defense can easily be what makes or breaks a season. Fortunately, Araujo and the others seem focused on ensuring the team’s goal remains as safe as possible.