Strong demands from Barcelona players to sideline the team’s star: ‘We’re playing with ten men when he’s on the pitch!

Barcelona is experiencing a deepening internal crisis, and it’s not just a temporary one.

The heavy 4–1 defeat to Sevilla was merely the straw that broke the camel’s back. Signs of tension have begun to appear strongly within the dressing room, with one name sparking widespread division among the players and management: Ronald Araújo.

Once a symbol of strength and stability in the Blaugrana’s defense, he has now become an undeniable weakness. Uncertainty surrounding Araújo’s future has begun to grow, especially due to his repeated dips in performance, which have raised serious questions about his ability to adapt to the team’s new demands.

Ronald Araújo, who played a prominent role under Xavi Hernández, now appears to be facing significant challenges under Hansi Flick. The German coach has lost confidence in the Uruguayan defender’s ability to handle high pressure and make quick decisions,something that has negatively affected his performance on the pitch.

The most notable moment that exposed this crisis came against Sevilla, when Araújo made a fatal mistake that led to an unnecessary penalty kick, changing the course of the entire match. The criticism didn’t stop there. It has been echoed on several previous occasions, such as in crucial matches against Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan, and even in the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, where his sending-off led to a painful defeat.

These repeated errors have fueled tension within the dressing room, with some players now believing that Araújo’s constant impulsiveness and tendency to take risks are doing more harm than good—asserting that the team “plays with 10 men” whenever he is on the pitch.

Hansi Flick, while appreciating Araújo’s dedication, is struggling to give him the confidence he needs. The German coach is looking for a more balanced and experienced center-back capable of keeping up with the team’s fast-paced pressing style.

The questions now arise: Will Araújo continue to be a starter? Will the team undergo a decisive change in the next summer transfer window? What was once a strong force has now become a source of concern at Barcelona, amid growing expectations that the Uruguayan defender’s career with the club may soon come to an end.