Hansi Flick completely loses his temper and insists on the swift exit of the under-fire defender in a heated internal showdown.
The German coach arrived with a clear blueprint built on discipline, intensity, and absolute trust in his defensive structure, demanding that every player meet the highest standards daily.
As the season has progressed and the stakes have risen, Flick’s margin for tolerance has narrowed, particularly with those expected to lead from the back.
Now, one of the club’s most high-profile defenders finds himself at the centre of internal doubts, with the coaching staff and sporting department increasingly aligned on a drastic solution.
That player in question is Ronald Araujo, once considered the untouchable pillar of Barcelona’s defence, but now reportedly the subject of Flick’s request for an exit in the upcoming summer window, as reported by Fichajes.
The Uruguayan’s performances since returning to full competition have not convinced the coach, who is said to be frustrated by a mix of inconsistency, fitness concerns, and a dip in reliability in decisive matches.
What was previously viewed as a non-negotiable piece of the project is now being reassessed, with Hansi Flick no longer seeing Araujo as the guaranteed leader needed to anchor a defence competing for every major title.
Reports suggest that while Joan Laporta has argued for patience, both Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are on the same page: Araujo’s cycle at the club may be nearing its end, and moving him on could open up vital salary space for a new, top-level centre-back.
At this stage, Araujo’s status is no longer untouchable, and if these reports hold true, Barcelona look set for a decisive summer in which difficult exits are embraced as part of Flick’s attempt to build a defence he fully trusts when it matters most.
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