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The month of January was an eventful one for Ronald Araujo. After he made his return to the pitch after lacking the primary half of the season, the Uruguayan worldwide was closely linked with an exit from Barcelona.
A transfer to Juventus seemed to be on the horizon, however the centre-back, who can also be one of many membership captains, determined to make a U-turn and signed a brand new long-term contract with Barcelona till 2031.
Talking in an unique interview with SPORT, Araujo mirrored on his journey at Barça, from arriving as a youngster from Boston River to turning into the membership captain.
“In 2017 I used to be residing in my village. Even when I used to be advised that eight years later I might be carrying the captain’s armband for Barça, I didn’t consider it, in fact,” kicked off the Uruguayan worldwide.
On the large video games and PSG error
The Barça skipper additionally touched upon his enjoying fashion and whether or not it makes him the best participant to carry out in high-stakes matches, reminiscent of finals and decisive encounters towards prime opponents.
“I’ve to be bodily match for that. No doubt, I can get to the duels, to the area. Within the six years I’ve been at Barça, considered one of my nice virtues has been that, to have the ability to right, to play with a complicated line,” he famous.
Araujo signed a brand new contract in January. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
“After all, you see your self as essential in these video games. Although I’m 25, I have already got a certain quantity of expertise. You possibly can see it within the massive video games, I’ve by no means hidden. The PSG disaster occurred, however I like these matches. Let’s see how I really feel.”
Araujo didn’t shrink back from discussing his pink card towards PSG within the Champions League quarter-final final season, which modified the course of the match and led to Barcelona’s elimination.
“At first it haunted me, particularly throughout the remainder of the season. However as time went on, I forgot about it, it’s prior to now. A clear slate. There’s a new story to write down,” famous Araujo.
Persevering with, he added: “The very best gamers are mentally robust and know methods to overcome these conditions. I take into account myself a type of. I gained’t deny that after that in La Liga I wasn’t on the degree I normally am, however let’s preserve going.
“There’s nonetheless a number of profession left, to construct, to provide for this membership.”
On Hansi Flick and techniques
Araujo additionally admitted that Hansi Flick’s defensive system at Barcelona this season is not like something he has skilled earlier than.
“Little doubt about it! I’ve by no means performed like this earlier than, and I don’t suppose virtually anybody right here has. I watch a number of soccer and the one one which does one thing comparable is Liverpool, however not as dangerous as us,” acknowledged Araujo.
“It’s all about particulars, it’s all about split-seconds, you need to do it nicely and naturally, it’s the primary time we’ve labored in that means. That philosophy has given us outcomes.”
Araujo remains to be adapting to Flick’s techniques. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
The Uruguayan defender additionally detailed the intensive coaching required to grasp Flick’s techniques, saying:
“We practice for it each day. It additionally takes a little bit little bit of time. A full pre-season offers us the possibility to study it. Possibly within the first video games we didn’t do it the way in which we do it now.
“With time, you’ll get the ‘feeling’… that’s what I additionally consider with me. Over time, you’ll get the texture for it. If it offers outcomes, you need to preserve betting on that.”
Like a number of of his teammates, Araujo believes Barcelona should handle the ultimate moments of matches extra correctly, referring to the 4-4 Copa del Rey draw towards Atletico Madrid.
“We’re all the time the protagonists as a result of we’re Barça and I don’t suppose we now have to drop off on the again, however perhaps in the previous couple of minutes, we must always not take so many dangers. And much more so with a end in our favour,” mentioned Araujo.
“It’s a disgrace what occurred however we now have to proceed on this vein. Now we now have essential video games arising and we now have to concentrate to these particulars.”
