Barcelona Dressing Room Divided Over Ronald Araújo’s Inclusion Ahead of El Clásico
With the sting of Barcelona’s Champions League exit still fresh, all eyes are now on Sunday’s pivotal La Liga clash with Real Madrid — a match that could shape the remainder of the season.
A win would leave Barcelona needing just two more points from their final three matches to clinch the title. Even a draw would keep their fate in their own hands, while a loss would breathe new life into Madrid’s title hopes.
However, a major point of contention in the Barcelona camp centers around the mental and emotional state of defender Ronald Araújo. According to El Nacional, the Uruguayan has come under intense scrutiny following his performance in the Champions League loss to Inter Milan, where he was directly involved in key goals conceded and later criticized teammates in post-match comments.
The backlash has been relentless, with Araújo facing a storm of online abuse, mockery, and even threats. Viral clips questioning his physical readiness and commitment have only intensified the criticism. One video, showing him warming up sluggishly before entering the San Siro pitch, has drawn particularly harsh comparisons, unfairly portraying him as physically unfit.
While Araújo has worked to maintain composure, the psychological toll appears significant. Some players in the dressing room have reportedly advised coach Hansi Flick against starting him in El Clásico, fearing that his current mental state may hinder performance and affect the team’s focus.
Despite these concerns, Flick is said to be considering giving Araújo limited minutes in the match — believing that participation, even in a supporting role, could help rebuild his confidence.
As tensions rise ahead of the season’s defining fixture, Barcelona must weigh loyalty and recovery against the immediate need for composure and consistency on the pitch.
