Barça had the opportunity to practically seal the League, but they couldn't overcome Betis. The 1-1 draw leaves the competition still open with eight matches remaining, with a distance of "only" 4 points from Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick took the opportunity to make some changes in the line-up, although one of them didn't meet expectations. We're talking about Ronald Araújo, the main one criticized for not being up to the circumstances.
Hansi Flick puts a cross on Ronald Araújo: The reason
Until recently, the Uruguayan was considered untouchable in Barça's defense, but this has changed. For this match against Betis, he entered the line-up replacing Íñigo Martínez, who was suffering from minor discomfort.
He failed again, being the main cause of the 1-1 equalizer, scored by Natan. He was supposed to cover him in the corner and didn't even jump, just watching the ball.
El Nacional has revealed that this mistake "didn't go unnoticed" for a Hansi Flick who "has already started" drawing conclusions for the next season. It's an error that wasn't isolated, having made several individual mistakes in recent months that have ended up costing Barça points or matches.
Hansi Flick "values Ronald Araújo's power and ability to correct," but "distrusts his concentration in key moments". This is something he considers "non-negotiable" for his center-backs, being clear that he will continue to stay on the bench if he doesn't improve.
During the next market, the Uruguayan will have a short-term clause of 65 million. He will have the doors open, and no one will stand in his way if he wants to leave.
"He can't be a starter"
The mentioned information is clear and forceful about Ronald Araújo, pointing out that "he can't be a starter". This is what Hansi Flick would think, being clear that his pair of center-backs is formed by Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez. The two are the ones who best adapt to what he wants to do at Barça, holding the line well and playing the ball well from the back.
Giving Araújo minutes means having to do without one of his starters, something that doesn't convince him. In the case of coinciding with Íñigo, nothing changes, but if he has to do it with Cubarsí, it means changing the young defender's side. It's a problem, and if he continues making mistakes like this one in the Barça-Betis match, no one can assure his continuity.