Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola identifies language barrier as Ronald Araujo’s biggest challenge

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says Ronald Araujo’s main difficulty in adapting to life at the club has been the language barrier, despite the defender making an immediate impact since joining on loan from Barcelona.

Araujo was among Liverpool’s outstanding performers in their 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid last Wednesday, setting up Dominik Szoboszlai’s equaliser with an inventive backheel pass.

The Uruguay international’s display continued an impressive start to his time at Anfield and strengthened his claim to a regular place in the side. Araujo has joined Liverpool on loan from Barcelona with an option to buy for 55m euros.

Iraola has used the defender at right-back in both matches in which he has started, while also praising his ability to contribute in different positions.

“I think Ronald is used to playing in important matches,” Iraola said, in comments reported by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

“He is used to playing in the Champions League, competing for titles and playing for a big club. His good performances also help him.”

The Liverpool manager also explained how Araujo had responded after initially being used as a substitute in defence.

“In the matches against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, it was difficult for him to start as a centre-back substitute, but he came on and played well, and we scored a goal with him on the pitch,” Iraola said.

“Perhaps that gave him confidence. Then, when he had the chance to start, even in a position he had played in before but which is not his usual one, he delivered an excellent performance.”

Araujo’s adaptation has come after a difficult period at Barcelona. The defender suffered a psychological health issue during his time there and took a break to address it before making the move to Liverpool.

Iraola said the adjustment to a new country had presented a significant personal challenge, particularly because Araujo does not speak English.

“For him, perhaps the biggest challenge was the language,” said the Spanish coach. “He does not speak English, so adapting to a new country can sometimes be difficult. But he has good support in the dressing room.”

Iraola believes the change of environment has benefited Araujo, even if the effect has primarily been psychological.

“I think this change, even if it was only a psychological change, helped him a lot,” he said.

“He had been playing for Barcelona for many years, and I think he needed this kind of change.”