Araujo reveals life-changing advice from Barcelona coach

Ronald Araujo looks back at the turning point of his FC Barcelona career: from a young attacker to a world-class centre-back. With Barcelona going seven games without a clean sheet and having just lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in El Clasico, the Uruguayan international has insisted he is ready to play in any position Hansi Flick requires, especially after three consecutive games on the bench.

Career-shaping advice at FC Barcelona

In a Q&A with the club’s media, Araujo spoke about the moment that changed the trajectory of his career. He recalled the words of a coach: “If you play as an attacker, you will be a normal player. If you become a centre-back, you will be a world-class player.” It was a directive that Araujo showed he chose and followed through with.

The move from attack to defence is not just about changing roles. For Araujo, it is about changing the way he thinks about the game: prioritizing spatial control, positional discipline and timely interventions over finishing moves—although he did have a decisive moment in the “last minute” against Girona FC in La Liga.

From situational attack to defensive mainstay

Araujo has occasionally been used as a “plan B” in attack when Barcelona are struggling—a testament to his aerial prowess and tackling prowess. However, he explains why he didn’t continue to pursue the spearhead role: the aforementioned advice confirmed the most suitable path for him, allowing him to develop to a higher standard as a centre-back.

Araujo stressed his willingness to play in any role Hansi Flick asked him to, a message that resonated at a time when Barcelona needed to adjust to regain their solidity.

Current situation: 7 games without a clean sheet, defense needs answers

Barcelona have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven consecutive games—a fact that may prompt Hansi Flick to consider changing his defensive structure. Araujo has been on the bench for the last three games, opening up the possibility of rotation as the team needs to rebalance possession and spatial security.

The 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico recently widened the gap between the two teams in La Liga to 5 points. In that context, the solidity of the defense is under the microscope, especially after the departure of veteran center-back Inigo Martinez.

Notable numbers

• Barcelona have not kept a clean sheet in 7 consecutive matches.
• Araujo was on the bench for the last three matches.
• El Clasico: Barcelona lost 1-2 to Real Madrid.
• The gap in La Liga standings between the two teams is 5 points.
• Araujo scored the decisive goal in the “last minute” against Girona FC.

Tactical impact: Araujo's role under Hansi Flick

With his strong physique and defensive mindset, Araujo provides Barcelona with a fulcrum when the team needs more security in front of goal. His ability to be used as a situational attacking lever still exists, but his core value lies in strengthening the defense—something Barcelona has been lacking in recent matches.

In a context where the defense needs to reset its priorities, Araujo's message of "being ready to play in any position" gives coach Hansi Flick more options: either bring him back to the center of the defense, or continue to exploit him as a flexible option when the team is in a deadlock.

For Araujo, it is not just about position. It is about standards and leadership at a Barcelona that needs certainty to get back on track.

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