I believe in him: Barcelona manager Flick confident Araujo will stay next season
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said on Saturday he was counting on defender Ronald Araujo for next season after the Uruguayan's dip in form and injuries raised doubts about his future with the club.
The 26-year-old Araujo missed half the season with a hamstring injury, after which he struggled to regain a regular starting place and was criticised for his performance in Barcelona's 4-3 aggregate defeat by Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals.
Spanish media speculated that Araujo was set to leave in the close season, despite his contract being renewed earlier in 2025 for another six years.
'He signed the contract (with us), why not? I 100% have my confidence in him, and I believe in him,' Flick told reporters ahead of Sunday's final La Liga game at Athletic Bilbao.
'It was a really tough season for him, with the injury in the beginning, and then to come back, of course, (when defenders) Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez made a fantastic season playing together, and it was not easy at this moment to come in and show how good he is.
'He will also improve a lot when he starts with us in the pre-season.'
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Flick was also confident that Barcelona's 17-year-old talisman Lamine Yamal would extend his contract, saying, 'He loves playing for us.'
Asked how he would rate Barcelona's season, after it won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup in his first season in charge, he replied, 'Between eight and 10.'
The German coach said he would be watching the Women's Champions League final when defending champion Barcelona faces Arsenal in Lisbon later on Saturday.
Barcelona's women's side has won the competition three times and is a heavy favourite for the final. 'I wish them great success. Hopefully, it wins the Champions League again, and this is a good goal for us next season,' said Flick.
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