FC Barcelona's tie against Real Betis in La Liga has left some warning signs for Hansi Flick. Although the team continues showing remarkable competitiveness, recent setbacks in the national championship have highlighted certain cracks in defense. The defensive fragility, especially in pressure situations, has led the German coach to make a key decision.
Hansi Flick is aware that the Champions League is the main objective for this season. That's why he wants to do everything in his power to get past the group stage and reach the final rounds. In order to achieve this, it is essential to get a win against Dortmund this coming Wednesday.
FC Barcelona is currently in third place with 12 points. A comfortable position, but one that needs to be secured with a win at Dortmund. That's why Hansi Flick has picked up the phone to call Ronald Araújo and ask for his help.
The Return of Ronald Araújo
The Champions League resumes this week and Hansi Flick believes that it is essential to regain defensive solidity. He knows that Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez are getting too many minutes under their belts, while Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde seem to have lost their spark. Because of this, Flick has called for the presence of Ronald Araújo to remind them not to relax.
The Uruguayan center-back has been out since Copa América due to injury. Now he's already returned to training with the group and looks ready to return. However, he hasn't yet been given the medical all-clear and won't be able to play. Despite this, Hansi Flick has considered that he should be with his teammates in Dortmund.
Ronald Araújo will travel with the team anyway. Although he won't be able to play, his presence at the training camp will be a boost for the locker room and will put pressure on the starters.
Ronald Araújo's Long-Awaited Return Will be in LaLiga
He won't play in the Champions League, but Ronald Araújo's return to the field won't take too long. Hansi Flick plans to give him minutes in the match against Leganés next weekend at Montjuic. Within the framework of LaLiga, such a duel will be the ideal stage to see the Uruguayan center-back again in the Barça jersey.
In front of the Barça fans, Ronald Araújo will be able to regain his role as a defensive leader and bring his solidity to a defense that needs to find its best shape again. However, for now, Hansi Flick has drafted him for the game against Dortmund, as his mere presence is important for the group. The fans, more united than ever, hope that Araújo will be the defensive leader that the team so badly needs to face the upcoming challenges.