Araujo talks Lamine, Ansu, Olmo, Raphinha, Flick, Barcelona renewal, future – ‘Great things are coming’ | OneFootball

After renewing his contract until 2031, Ronald Araujo is focused on making history with Barcelona.

Speaking in an interview with SPORT, the Uruguayan centre-back claimed he feels happy at the club and believes that a successful new era is about to begin.

Barça are competing on all fronts, leading La Liga, reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and progressing to the Champions League knockout rounds.

“The team is having a great season, and the results show it. We already won the Supercopa, which was important for our young squad. We are happy, and the fans are excited because they can see the work we are putting in,” said Araujo.

With Hansi Flick’s arrival, Barça were initially seen as an underdog, but now the team is a contender for every title. But Araujo knows that handling pressure will be key, as he said:

“It was normal that at the beginning, there was some doubt. Last year wasn’t how we wanted it to be, and we play for a club that demands winning, that demands trophies. If you don’t win them, it’s considered a bad season.

“There were high expectations with Hansi’s arrival because, in reality, the squad didn’t change much from last year, but I think you can see what he wants and what he has implemented. The team has a new identity… it’s a mix of everything.

“The way of working at the club has changed, not just with the coach. We’re in a good place, but there is still a long way to go, and we have to keep going.”

When asked if he would sign up for a Champions League final against Real Madrid, his response was immediate:

“Of course! As long as we’re there, that’s all that matters. It would be a great match. We just have to do our part. The Champions League is very competitive, and at this stage, there are no easy teams.

“It’s two games, and it depends on how you approach them… there are many factors. We believe we can do it, and hopefully, we can reach the final. It would be incredible, but we have to take it game by game.”

January transfer drama

Araújo’s future was a major topic in January, with transfer rumours swirling. A move to Juventus was believed to be close. However, he insists he was never in doubt about his decision.

“I was calm because I knew what I wanted – to stay. There were negotiations over contract details with the club, but that’s normal. You come back after being out for six months, and things have to be discussed,” he said.

“But I was always very clear about it. And you could see it in how I played in the Supercopa final.”

Araujo never thought of leaving despite rumours. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

When asked if he ever doubted his decision, he was firm, saying: “No, no. Doubt? No. Like I said, we were negotiating, and there were factors that didn’t depend on me.”

Deco recently stated that he believes Araujo will stay long-term, and the defender agrees:

“If it’s up to me, I’ll stay. I’m happy in Barcelona, and I believe great years are ahead. I experienced Barça’s tough economic times, and now I want to enjoy the good moments. I have invested in this club when things were difficult, I stayed.

“I had many opportunities to leave, but I believed in this, I wanted to stay. I believed we were going to turn things around and move forward. And now is the time to enjoy.

“I feel important here, my family is happy in Barcelona, and I hope to fulfil my entire contract. That’s why I signed a long deal.”

When asked about his lower release clause, he dismissed concerns, stating: “I’m truly happy, honestly. I feel that great things are coming, and people are going to enjoy it. And I feel like a good stage of my career is coming, I’m convinced of it.”

If someone had told 15-year-old Araujo that he would one day wear the captain’s armband for Barça, he admits he wouldn’t have believed it.

“I never imagined this. Football has flown by, even though I’ve always played. At 17, I was still at home, in my town, with my family, playing for Huracán. There was always the dream of playing for Barça, but it felt like a distant dream.

“Then opportunities come, and today, being one of the captains of this club, with the responsibility that comes with it, I feel a lot of joy.”

Even at 25, he feels like a veteran in a youthful squad, as he said: “Yes, yes, I feel it (laughs). There are so many young players, and they spend all day on TikTok, watching videos, joking around.

“But that brings joy to the locker room, and they are young but competitive. They go forward and don’t back down. The young players listen when you have to be serious, and that’s great too.”

Hansi Flick: The leader of the new Barça

The driving force. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Araujo acknowledged that Flick is the driving force behind the team’s resurgence this season, saying:

“I’d say yes. In the end, he’s the coach, the one who moves everything, the one who makes the changes, the one who implemented this philosophy… But a lot of things have changed at the club that have helped things flow.

Physically, with physiotherapists… for us, it’s crucial to have almost all players available because we have a competitive squad. A great job has been done, and it shows.

“You can see that the team runs, that we are all in good shape, except for the two serious injuries we had… and that’s important if you want to win trophies.”

The German coach’s reputation initially caused some apprehension, as he said: “People were saying, ‘Watch out, here comes the German sergeant!’ (laughs) But it’s nothing like that. He’s actually very approachable.

“When it’s time to work, we work seriously, but he’s always talking to everyone.”

Learning German has been a challenge for Araujo: “I don’t understand a thing! (laughs) When the staff speaks among themselves, it’s impossible. But the coach speaks English very clearly, so we understand each other well.”

On his teammates

When asked to name the toughest player he has had to defend against in training, Araujo named Lamine Yamal, saying:

“I make things tough for everyone, but Lamine is special. He drags you all over the place, shows you the ball, then hides it. I remember when he first trained with us, he wouldn’t dare take me on. Now, he comes straight at you! He’s special.”

Another player who has impressed him is Dani Olmo, as he said: “He’s so talented – keeps the ball glued to his feet, and it’s hard to take it away from him.”

Araujo has formed a strong defensive partnership with Pau Cubarsi, who has matured beyond his years.

“Pau is very good, very good. And very intelligent. He reminds me a lot of Pique in the way he finds those filtered passes. He has a lot of personality despite being so young,” said Araujo.

“We’ve built a great connection, also with Íñigo now. Pau is important for the club and for us. Hopefully, he continues like this for a long time.”

The defender also defended Raphinha, who faced criticism at times at Barcelona but has come into his own this season, saying:

“When you play here, you have to understand that there is pressure in every match and every moment. The responsibility is huge. But Raphinha has always had talent, he has always shown it.

“He just needed confidence, to feel happy, and then he could unleash his full potential. He has always been important since he arrived. Now, he is playing with confidence and is happy, and that’s what a player needs to perform at his best.”

One of Araujo’s closest friends is Ansu Fati, and he remains optimistic about his return to form, as he said:

“I love Ansu like a brother. He’s training well, full of confidence. It’s tough when you’re not getting called up or playing much, but he’s working hard.

“When we were recovering from injuries together, I saw him and thought, ‘He’s flying!’ His talent is undeniable, he just needs playing time.”