Barcelona president Joan Laporta has come out in defence of captain Ronald Araujo, who has come under criticism after the team’s recent loss to Chelsea.
Araujo, who started the game at Stamford Bridge, was sent off in the 44th minute for two bookable offences in quick succession.
His red card left the team at a disadvantage, allowing Chelsea to secure a rather comfortable 3-0 victory, leaving Barça in a difficult position in the UEFA Champions League.
Araujo criticism unfair, says Laporta
Speaking to the media during his visit to Andorra, Laporta addressed Araujo’s sending-off and the subsequent criticism that has been directed at the defender.
“The team showed character despite playing with 10 men. Regarding the sending-off: the first card was very harsh, and then that play left us with 10,” began Laporta.
Showing his support for Araujo, he added: “I want to, in a way, encourage and defend Araujo. He has been heavily criticised, and I don’t think it’s fair.
“He gives his all on the pitch, he’s our captain, and now he needs to overcome this moment because he’s a very emotional person with strong feelings.
“He’s had a tough time, and from Andorra, I want to tell him that we’re with him, that he needs to move on, because here we all win and we all lose, and no one person is solely responsible for the defeats or the victories.”
Hansi Flick, Barcelona coach
Araujo has come under intense criticism. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Looking at the positives
On the defeat in London, Laporta remarked: “I spoke with the coach on my way back from
London. I really liked Hansi ‘s reaction and the team’s, who are really coming together.
“Hansi is optimistic, and I’m one of those who believes this result will be a turning point. It’s happened to us many times in Barça’s history that a bad result has propelled us to a good season and a successful one, and I’m convinced that will be the case again.
“This result will help us do better and see the things we need to improve. The team is coming together, and I really like that.”
Laporta also opened up on the team’s injury situation, with the Catalans recovering Pedri this week, only to lose Fermin Lopez and Araujo.
“We’re now getting injured players back. Fermin will be out for two weeks as a precaution, but we have Pedri back,” noted Laporta.
“We also got Joan Garcia back the other day, and I’m confident. Raphinha will also be able to play more minutes than Pedri, and in a league where we’re fighting for the top spot, if we win against Alaves, we’ll go first,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo