Barca players ask Flick to exclude their teammate from the El Clásico squad
Barcelona’s senior players have asked their German coach, Hansi Flick, not to include their teammate in the upcoming La Liga El Clasico match against Real Madrid.
Barcelona will face Real Madrid in a crucial match on Sunday in the 35th round of the Spanish Premier League, and a win would most likely secure the title.
The Clasico comes after a painful exit from the Champions League semi-finals following a marathon, grueling match against Inter Milan last Tuesday, which ended 4-3 in favor of the Italian team after extra time.
According to El Nacional, Barcelona players demanded the inclusion of Ronald Araujo, who received the most criticism after the defeat for his poor coverage of the third and fourth goals.
At this point, the waters appear to have calmed down. However, some senior players in the Barcelona dressing room are questioning whether Ronaldo is ready to play in El Clásico.
The criticism he’s received over the past two days has been extremely harsh. It’s almost impossible for Araujo to be focused and mentally fit to play minutes if Hansi Flick needs him.
To the point that some players have suggested to Flick that fielding the defender in such an important match at this time may not be in the team’s best interests. His teammates see him as deeply affected and feel he needs a few more days to recover emotionally.
