Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick made it clear this Saturday that he wants Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo to stay at the club. Flick emphasized that Araujo is “one of the best defenders” and that he’s counting on him once he’s fully recovered from the injury that has kept him out of action for over five months.

Confidence in Araujo After His Recovery

Amid rumors that teams like Juventus and Arsenal are interested in signing the Uruguayan international, Flick was firm: “I want him in my team because he’s one of the best defenders.” This statement came during a press conference at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, where tomorrow’s Supercup final between Real Madrid and Barcelona will take place.

Ronald Araujo made his season debut last week in the Copa del Rey match against Barbastro, after suffering a hamstring tendon injury in his right thigh back in July.

“We’re all professionals. He’s come back from a serious injury. We’ve taken great care of him over the last month, and now he’s back. He’s strong and ready to play, and he’s an option for the team. He’s very professional, and that’s what I want from him,” said Flick about the 25-year-old center-back, who’s in his sixth season with Barcelona.

Defensive Options

In Araujo’s absence, Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez have established themselves as the starting defenders in Flick’s system, with Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde filling in as full-backs.