Flick says Ronald Araujo was in good spirits as Barcelona prepare for change

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said Ronald Araujo appeared “well and happy” after the defender’s playing time was affected by past mistakes and a tactical approach that did not suit him.

Flick was speaking after Barcelona took part in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup in Italy, where they beat Nottingham Forest through a stoppage-time penalty converted by Raphinha before losing to Udinese in the three-team friendly tournament.

The German also discussed the club’s transfer plans and the departures of several players, with his comments reported by Spanish newspaper Marca.

“We had to make decisions that were not easy, and I advised them,” Flick said. “This is the current situation, and every team has to make changes. We have to create space for young players.”

Asked about Araujo’s position, Flick praised the Uruguay international but acknowledged that the defender had not been used as regularly as he would have liked.

“He is a great person and an excellent player, but the way we play is different from what I propose,” Flick said. “He is strong and has speed… It is a shame. It was difficult because I did not play him as much as I wanted, and he was affected by the mistakes that were made in the past. We spoke together, and I saw him today in good shape and happy. I wish him the best.”

Flick said change was unavoidable in football and insisted Barcelona remained calm despite the attention surrounding their squad.

“Changes are normal in life and in football,” he added. “There is a lot of noise around us, but we know what we want. We want to improve the team and we are calm. Many players will arrive next week. This pre-season period is not normal, and there is little time.”

Barcelona’s preparations have been complicated by the unusual schedule, with the club using the tournament in Italy to assess players while also dealing with movement in the transfer market.

Flick was also asked about the situation involving Ferran Torres but said he had not spoken to the forward.

“I respect the players’ holidays and I do not know anything. I have not spoken to him. Today I was focused on the three-team tournament,” he said.

The Barcelona manager finished by assessing Raphinha and Fermin Lopez, both of whom featured in the team’s preparations. Raphinha has been training with the squad for 10 days, while Lopez has been back for slightly longer.

“Rafa has been training with us for 10 days, and Lopez for a little longer. I see them in good shape,” Flick said. “Raphinha is the most important player for me because of his intensity in competition. He is one of the leaders and he fights for the team…”