Amidst Barcelona’s fight for a spot in the Champions League top-8 and the recent positive results at the top of the La Liga table, another fight is going on that Culers should be given their support to.
Ronald Araújo has spent the last five seasons becoming a captain of FC Barcelona and its emotional backbone along the backline. When at his best, the Uruguayan’s physicality and intensity make him one of the elite centre-backs in the world. His recent few seasons, however, have unfortunately been marked by crucial mistakes in high profile matches and reoccurring injuries that have upset his rhythm and ability to get match-fit. Those issues have coincided with Pau Cubarsí’s insertion into the starting line-up, and instead of being the perfect complement to the teenager, Araújo has struggled to prove that he’s deserving of being a staple of Hansi Flick’s team.
Yet, despite his problems, recent weeks have been a stark reminder that footballers are people, even someone as physically imposing as Araújo. Players will be criticized, that’s part of the job, but now is the time for Culers to rally around the defender and give him support during his leave of absence from the club.
Teammates Rally Behind Him
Pedri and Eric García have both vocalized support for their teammate. “It’s not an easy situation. I want to give him all the support in the world,” Pedri said, “He’s one of the family, we love him very much, and we need him both on and off the field. These things happen; there are mistakes on and off the field. We all make mistakes, and we need him because, for me, he’s like a brother. I love him very much and I hope he’s back with us as soon as possible, when he’s well.”
Eric emphasized the sentiment. “We miss him, both as a player and as a person. He’s a very well-liked person. We’re waiting for him with open arms,” Eric said, “When it comes to health, everyone is in charge of their own decisions. I hope he’s patient and can return as soon as possible. he’s a very important player and we miss him.
With his teammates talking about him like that, the concern for Araújo is beyond the transfer window and what he could give the club. He’s made some defensive mistakes, but the defender has always defended the crest and epitomized the passion of the fans. There were times when he could have chosen to leave for higher wages, but his loyalty kept him in Catalonia. He deserves the same loyalty in return. The club will be patient with his return, and even if he’s played his final match for FC Barcelona, Ronald Araújo has made Culers proud over the years.
Mental health is as important as physical health and athletes should be given the same grace.
Eyes on the Transfer Window
Depending on the length of his absence, Deco may need to dip into the transfer window to fortify the backline. But that is also dependent on the amount of funds available. Having just recently returned to the Camp Nou, Hansi Flick may need to rely on the Gerard Martín at centre-back option and pray for Andreas Christensen to stay healthy.
The biggest name linked to Barcelona regardless of Araújo’s status at the moment is Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. The 26-year-old left-footed centre-back has been linked heavily to both Bayern Munich and Barcelona and having one year left on his contract will make him much more affordable if Barça can agree to reasonable wages.
Other names like Jérémy Jacquet of Rennes, seen by many as one of the top centre-back prospects in world football, has been scouted multiple times by Real Madrid. A reminder of the arms race that awaits the Catalans in both January and the summertime.
