Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo praised his coach Ronald Koeman in an interview with TV3. The Uruguayan said that given the difficult year this has been, the Dutchman and his coaching staff have been doing a great job and know how to deal with issues confronted 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 centre-back also gave his views on the situation regarding Leo Messi this summer, stating his desire for 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.”
As for the current situation regarding the team in this season’s competitions, the Uruguayan is excited to be competing for both La Liga and La Copa del Rey honours, something completely unexpected only about 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.”
Although this is his first season in the first team, the center-back has played 23 games and has emerged as one of the squad’s options for top defenders. Awkwardly, his ankle injury has been a big problem for Koeman, as he has to front for Gerard Piqué who also got injured some weeks ago.
He referred to unexpectedly playing all these many games:
“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 only 22 years old and has a remaining contract with Barcelona until 2023. The lad’s desire is to play at the Camp Nou for many more years in front of the Barcelona Cules as a regular.