Barcelona president Joan Laporta says criticism of Ronald Araujo for his red card “is not fair” after the midweek defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League.
Araujo has received plenty of flak after being sent off in another important Champions League fixture for the Catalan giants.
Laporta says he wants to “encourage and defend Araujo” and admits the Uruguay international is feeling low at the moment.
“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. I want to, in a way, encourage and defend Araujo. He has been heavily criticized, and I don’t think it’s fair,” he told reporters.
“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.”
Laporta also says he thinks the defeat can be a turning point for Barcelona as they prepare to return to action on Saturday against Alaves in La Liga.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
Araujo will miss Saturday’s game at the Camp Nou. Flick has confirmed he’s out due to a stomach virus.
