“Prove to us that you’ve changed”, “For what reason?” – Barcelona fans provide mixed reactions as star included in XI for Albacete clash

Fans reacted to the inclusion of centre-back Ronald Araujo in Barcelona’s starting XI for their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash at Albaceste on Tuesday (February 3). The 26-year-old is playing his first cup game of the season.

It’s been an injury-plagued campaign for Araujo, missing multiple games due to a hamstring injury and struggles with mental health and competition for places in Hansi Flick’s side.

Having featured for six minutes in the 3-1 La Liga win at Elche at the weekend, Araujo has got the nod to start at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte. However, with the Uruguayan making just 19 appearances across competitions this season – starting 10 – fans aren’t convinced that Araujo should have been in the starting line-up.

“Araujo proved to us that you’ve changed please,” one wrote.

“Araujo starting for what reason?,” another wondered.

“Good news is Cubarsi gets a much-needed rest. Bad news is Araujo plays football,” one commented.

“No Raphinha and Araujo starts, giving me Chelsea flashbacks,” another posted.

Araujo has scored twice this season, both in La Liga, where Barca lead second-placed Real Madrid by a point. But it will be at the back where he will be expected to provide solidity as the Blaugrana seek a successful title defence.

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“Very often you get surprising results” – Barcelona boss Hansi Flick on cup competitions

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick stressed the importance of not underestimating opponents in a cup competition as he previewed the Copa del Rey quarter-final at Albacete.

Having delivered a domestic treble in his first season in Spanish football, Flick is well on course for a repeat, winning the Supercopa Espana and leading the La Liga standings.

“What I like about the cup is exactly this,” Flick said before the Albacete game (as per Barca’s website).

“Very often you get surprising results. We always analyse the opponent. We have to adapt to their style, their stadium, and step onto the pitch with the right attitude and mentality. We have to be 100% concentrated.”

Since a 2-1 La Liga defeat at Real Sociedad in La Liga last month, the Blaugrana have won their next four games across competitions, and 15 of their last 16 since a 3-0 loss at Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League in November.

“On Saturday we played very well against Elche, and I’m very happy, but we still have to improve the small details,” Flick said. “It’s not about being perfect, it’s about getting better. And we’ve improved a lot since the game against Chelsea.”

Following the Albacete game, Barcelona return to La Liga action at the weekend, taking on Real Mallorca at home on Saturday (February 7).