In the wake of Barcelona’s crushing Champions League semi-final loss to Inter Milan, former manager Xavi Hernández has pointed fingers at Ronald Araujo, claiming he had warned current coach Hansi Flick about the defender’s liabilities in high-pressure games.
Barcelona lost 4-3 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate, with Araujo coming on in the second half but failing to provide the defensive stability needed. Xavi didn’t hold back in his assessment:
> “I warned Flick about that particular player. He refused to bench him. He keeps causing problems for the team. That fourth goal that denied us a spot in the final—he was responsible.”
Araujo’s performance was indeed underwhelming. Despite making three clearances, he was dribbled past, out of position during the decisive goal, and managed to win only one ground duel while committing two fouls. The defender’s struggles raise serious concerns over his consistency in crucial moments.
With Barcelona crashing out in dramatic fashion, scrutiny now intensifies around team selection decisions and whether Flick will continue to back Araujo in big matches going forward.
