Ronald Araujo: Koeman knows how to deal with issues

Ronald Araujo praised his coach Ronald Koeman in an interview with TV3. The Uruguayan said that in such a difficult year like this, the new coach and his staff have been doing a great job and know how to deal with issues during the season. 

“Once given the circumstances of this season, he (Koeman) has proven himself as a great coach and has a strong relationship with the squad, especially the youngsters, who receive constant support and hope from him,” said Araujo.

Barcelona’s center-back also commented on the hypothetical stay of Leo Messi this summer. He wants the Argentinian to stay next season and in the following ones: “Leo works so hard in training and looks happy. He transmits his hard-working ethic to everyone and especially the youngsters, we all appreciate it, he is our captain and a role model.”

Ronald Araújo has the highest aerial duel win percentage in La Liga this season (82.6%). pic.twitter.com/CKCkEKpPbA

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 19, 2021

Regarding the current situation of the team in this season’s competitions, the Uruguayan is excited to be competing for both La Liga and La Copa del Rey, something completely unexpected around two months ago. 

“We know we have the two trophies very close. It’s a great motivation. We will fight them until the end. It’s great to talk about winning two trophies because a few months ago we saw LaLiga far away. The team is in very good shape and very well put together. Winning titles with Barça would bring so much happiness to me.”

At his first season in the first team, the center-back has played 23 games and has emerged as one of the squad’s top defenders options. Therefore, his ankle injury has been a big problem for Koeman, as Gerard Piqué also got injured some weeks ago. 

Koeman: "Players like Pedri, Moriba, Puig, Araújo and Mingueza are the future of this club." pic.twitter.com/f8jPP3vIAy

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 6, 2021

He referred to unexpectedly playing all these many games as he stated: “In the preseason I couldn’t even imagine playing so much. I thought I could play a few games, yes, but not as many as I’m playing. It has been crazy, in that sense. I hope I can play many more.”

Araujo is 22 years old and has a remaining contract with Barcelona until 2023. He wishes to play at the Camp Nou for many more years and do it in front of the fans which he is still expecting to fully experience regularly.