Ronald Araujo: Barcelona boss Flick vows to protect defender after Instagram backlash
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Hansi Flick says Ronald Araujo is “doing good” after the Barcelona boss spoke to the defender about abuse he has received on Instagram since making two mistakes against Inter in the Champions League semi-finals.
Uruguay international Araujo came on with the tie level at 5-5 on aggregate in the 76th minute at Stadio San Siro, only to be culpable for goals during added time and extra time as the Italian club went through 7-6.
The 26-year-old has limited comments on his posts on the social media platform because of comments made by his critics.
“I don’t like that,” said Flick. “I know what happened and I spoke with Ronald, because he’s my player. I will always protect my players. Everyone makes mistakes – it happens. This is not respectful.”
Ronald Araujo Instagram
Araujo, who has more than 7.6 million followers on Instagram, posted about the defeat on Saturday. “I accept it and acknowledge it,” he said.
“I’ve never been one to hide and I never will. It hurts to be eliminated, but this doesn’t end here. We worked, we fought, and we gave everything in an extremely tough tie.
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“It wasn’t enough, and that hurts. But I also feel proud — of this team, my teammates, the badge we represent and every cule [fan] who stood by us.”
Flick said the reaction was part of football. “We have to protect him, and he’s doing good,” added the German.
“Everyone who is in this job has had this situation. I’ve had it often and you have to manage it well. We have to protect him – this is the important thing.”
HANSI FLICK: “I don’t think about other teams. All of my energy is for Barça. I love to work for them. It’s a fantastic job, our fans are amazing…I only focus on that.” #EspanyolBarça pic.twitter.com/YyHEHBvSZL
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 14, 2025
Ronald Araujo stats
After an absence until mid-December with a hamstring injury, Araujo has made 23 appearances in all competitions for Barca this season, contributing two goals and two assists.
The former player for Uruguayan teams Boston River and Rentistas made four starts in the Champions League and also came on as a substitute in the first leg at home to Inter.
Araujo was dropped and not used from the bench in El Clasico immediately after the second leg, which Barca won 4-3 on Sunday to put themselves on the brink of the LaLiga title.
When will Barcelona win LaLiga?
Flick will become a Spanish champion in his first season in charge with two games to spare if Real Madrid lose at home to Mallorca on Wednesday (20:30 GMT).
Should the reigning champions avoid defeat, Barcelona will need to match their result when they visit Espanyol 24 hours later.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 14, 2025
Flick hinted that his side are unlikely to replicate Madrid’s celebrations on the pitch when they became champions by winning at home to Espanyol in 2022.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to think about it before the match because we have to fight for the three points,” added the former Germany manager.
“I know what happened because I also saw it on the television. For me, it’s about respect. We will do the right thing.”
How to watch Real Madrid vs Mallorca: TV channel, live stream
Live coverage of Real Madrid vs Mallorca is on LaLigaTV and Premier Sports 2 and Premier Player.
Various subscription packages are available. Via streaming and apps, Premier Player costs £15.99 a month, £10.99 a month annually, £120 a year upfront or £7.99 a month for LaLigaTV only.
How to watch Espanyol vs Barcelona: TV channel, live stream
Live coverage of Espanyol vs Barcelona is also on LaLigaTV and and Premier Player, with Premier Sports 1 the TV channel to tune in on.
In the UK, the action will also be shown on ITV4 and the ITVX app.
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